Owning a Pro Cycling Team

innertube
innertube Posts: 10
edited June 2015 in Pro race
I would like some info from people in the know about the ownership of pro cycling teams, specifically continental teams in the UK.

Obviously sponsors contribute a % of income that cover some expenses but what is the owners contribution? How much of his/her own money do they contribute for a UK based team? Is it a loss making hobby, do they break even, or do they add value and have equity in the team? What would they contribute each season?

What are these teams worth? I'm thinking Condor JLT, Madison etc, but I'm also interested in youth teams such as Jeff Banks sponsored Catford Banks Equipe.

I'm hoping there are some knowledgable souls on this forum, willing to enlighten a somewhat dreamer...

Comments

  • RideOnTime
    RideOnTime Posts: 4,712
    I currently give 10% of my salary to Confidis.
  • mr_poll
    mr_poll Posts: 1,547
    No idea on conti level but if you don't read the excellent inrng.com blog then do he often overs stuff like this for the big teams.

    A quick search finds this about AG2R

    http://inrng.com/2014/09/ag2r-la-mondiales-team-finances/

    Also has links to Sky's accounts and an analysis of their financial operations.
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,463
    I assume that in the case of most domestic conti level teams the sponsorship covers costs including those of the team manager etc. Some, like NFTO, are rich people's hobby / passion. In the case of NFTO the main sponsor is the owner's company and I doubt the company benefits much from the team publicity so he's effectively bank rolling a large part himself for the enjoyment of the sport (I suspect the company gets some tax benefits etc. as well). I should think the Jeff Banks thing at Catford is the same. The licence holders at World Tour level will make a bit from the sponsorship deals if things go well.
  • RideOnTime
    RideOnTime Posts: 4,712
    http://www.catfordcc.co.uk/default.aspx?sm=1

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