The much-anticipated British and Irish Lions tour of Australia is approaching, with players and supporters eagerly awaiting Andy Farrell’s squad selection. The announcement is scheduled for May 8, with Farrell already disclosing a shortlist of 75 players for the upcoming series Down Under. The coaching team for the tour has been unveiled, comprising individuals from Scotland, England and Ireland, including Richard Wigglesworth, Simon Easterby, Andrew Goodman, John Fogarty, and John Dalziel. “We came up with about 75 men or something like that. Every single one of them deserves to be on that list,” Farrell commented. The financial rewards for players chosen for the tour are significant, prompting the question – how much do Lions players earn?
According to The Telegraph, the 2025 Lions tour is projected to be a record-breaking year, anticipating a £10 million profit. This tour introduces a new model where players share in the profits generated, a first in Lions history. The agreement also enhances collaboration between the Lions and players regarding scheduling and preparation. Selected players stand to receive £100,000 each, a 25% increase from the 2017 tour, signifying a significant milestone for the tour’s profitability. The absence of fans during the 2021 tour in South Africa due to COVID-19 restrictions underscores the importance of the profit-sharing agreement on the upcoming tour in Australia.
The enhanced collaboration between the Lions, broadcasters, sponsors, and licensees has attracted high-profile sponsorships for the tour, such as Qatar Airways and Howdens. With Sky Sports securing exclusive broadcasting rights in the UK and Nine broadcasting in Australia, the tour is set to reach a wider audience. Lions chief executive Ben Calveley remarked, “Players love playing for the Lions, and this landmark agreement highlights how they are at the centre of our thinking.” Rugby Players Ireland chief executive Simon Keogh also praised the agreement, emphasising fair representation of players’ views and strong collaboration among rugby stakeholders.
The 2025 Lions tour profit-sharing model signifies a significant development in recognising players’ contributions and ensuring their central role in the tour’s success. The increased financial incentives for players, alongside enhanced collaboration and sponsorships, underscore the tour’s growing significance in the rugby world. As players and fans await the squad announcement, the tour promises to be a thrilling and rewarding experience for all involved, showcasing the enduring legacy and spirit of the British and Irish Lions. With the tour’s profitability expected to soar to new heights, players and supporters can look forward to an exciting and competitive series in Australia.
The partnership between players, management, and stakeholders in rugby exemplifies a collaborative approach that values player input and acknowledges their pivotal role in the sport. As the Lions set out on their tour of Australia, the generous pay structure and profit-sharing agreement demonstrate a commitment to recognising players’ dedication and performance on the field. The upcoming series is poised to be a defining moment in Lions history, marking a new era of financial rewards and collaboration that underpins the tour’s success. As the countdown to the tour continues, the rugby community eagerly anticipates the spectacle and drama that the British and Irish Lions never fail to deliver.
In conclusion, the 2025 British and Irish Lions tour to Australia stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and spirit of this prestigious rugby tradition. With a record-breaking profit-sharing model in place, players are set to be handsomely rewarded for their efforts on the field. The collaboration between stakeholders, the enhanced financial incentives, and the anticipation surrounding the squad selection all contribute to making this upcoming tour a landmark event in rugby history. As the excitement builds and the players prepare to don the iconic jersey, rugby fans around the world eagerly await the spectacle that only the British and Irish Lions can provide.