Cobblers announce jump in losses despite record turnover in yearly accounts
Cobblers have announced both record turnover and record losses in their annual set of accounts for the year ending June 30th, 2025.
The club turned over £7.5 million in this period, up by around 12 per cent on the 12 months prior, but losses deepened to almost £3m (£2,995,582), an increase from £2million the previous year.
The increase in turnover was driven in part by the opening of the East Stand and a significant rise in commercial income. Cobblers also made a profit of £478k from player sales, However, that growth was outpaced by rising costs, particularly wages, with total staff costs jumping to £6.22m.
The club increased its playing budget by more than 20 per cent but still operated in the lower quarter of League One spending, highlighting the widening financial gap across the division. Higher matchday staffing costs and general inflationary pressures also all contributed to the loss.
For context, just two League One clubs posted a profit 12 months ago and already several clubs have announced major losses this year, including Rotherham (£4.65m), Wimbledon (£2.9m) and Leyton Orient (£4.6m). Bristol Rovers, who were also in League One in 2024/25, lost even more (£7m), while Wrexham ran up a massive deficit of £33.3million en route to winning promotion to the Championship.
Northampton’s accounts also underline the club’s continued reliance on owner funding to remain viable. They ended the year with net liabilities of £10.7m and significant short-term debts, but loans from owners – which are interest-free and without fixed repayment terms – continue to underpin the club’s day-to-day operations. The auditors again flagged this, noting the club would require ongoing financial support to continue as a going concern.
Off the pitch, the completion of the East Stand is a major long-term asset, helping to boost capacity and commercial potential, though its financial impact was only partially felt in this set of accounts.