France's Top 14, the world's richest rugby union championship, said it "suffered a record deficit" of €24.2M last season as player salaries "soared," according to the AFP. A report by the National Rugby League's audit department said, "Clubs prefer to strengthen their sporting power ... to the detriment of reducing their deficits." The Top 14 "accounted for the bulk" of a €33.8M ($35.6M) deficit for all 30 professional clubs in France, which has become an "increasing magnet for foreign stars." Average player salaries have "increased" 12% in the past season while revenues "grew only" 10%, mainly through extra TV income. Only one Top 14 club has been "able to fully self-finance its operation, against seven" at the end of '13-14. Three clubs are "heavily in deficit." The league report "did not name the clubs, but the Midi Olympique rugby newspaper said they are Racing Metro, Stade Francais and Castres where the owners pay for annual losses." Top 14 attendances have also "'stagnated' over the past five seasons" (AFP, 4/14).
