An investment drive to transform Sale Sharks pushed the Premiership rugby club into the red during their latest financial year.
Newly-filed accounts for the year to June 30, 2022, show the club posted a pre-tax loss of £3.5m, compared to a profit of £402,498 in the prior 12 months.
The loss was despite the club's turnover increasing from £102.2m to £12.2m.
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The total attendances during the year increased from 4,690 to 89,643 because of the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions while the average number of employees also rose from 124 to 147.
Sale Sharks hit the headlines in December when their bid with Salford City to buy the AJ Bell Stadium was rejected.
A statement signed off by the board said: "During the season 21/22 Sale Sharks started the transition from a sports club to a business.
"We developed a brand and culture as a baseline, and then set about re-shaping the commercial strategies.
"Overall, with the changes we have invested in, we expect to have sell-out crowds for >75% games by 24/25, an increased attendance frequency of two, driving a higher revenue through out sponsorship portfolio.
"However, even with all of these improvements off the pitch, the club face the same challenges as all businesses/rugby clubs in the UK during the current season due to high inflation and the cost of living."
Sale Sharks have been owned by Simon and Michelle Orange alongside Ged Mason since 2016.
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