AFL clubs have been given a major funding boost for season 2024, including the provision that 20 per cent of a senior coach\u2019s salary now sits outside the soft cap.<\/p>\n
The league announced last week that the soft cap would be expanded by an additional $250,000.<\/p>\n
Clubs will also be able to spend more on a senior coach to \u201crecognises the prominent role senior coaches have as leaders and ambassadors for their clubs and the code,\u201d a league statement said.<\/p>\n
With the senior coach provision, some clubs could have their soft cap expanded by upwards of $400,000.<\/p>\n
There have also been changes to the luxury tax, meaning clubs who go over the soft cap by less than $1 million won\u2019t be penalised as much as in past seasons.<\/p>\n
Staff relocation deductions and clubs\u2019 ability to carry forward up to $100,000 of unspent soft cap room to the following year have also been announced.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one of CEO Andrew Dillon\u2019s biggest moves since officially taking office in late October.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing on-going discussions with club presidents, CEOs, senior coaches and clubs, I am pleased to announce we have addressed a number of challenges and themes surrounding the soft cap,\u201d Dillon said in a statement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe changes are aimed at providing more flexibility and support as we continue to return back to a position more reflective of pre-COVID times.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe establishment of the senior coach deduction recognises the prominent role they play as leaders and ambassadors for their clubs and the sport. We know this was important and we worked closely with the senior coaches to achieve the best outcome we could for 2024.\u201d<\/p>\n
The changes are welcome ones for clubs, who have been crying out for more assistance with assistant coaches and football department staff.<\/p>\n
It comes after the league reported an operating profit of $20.7 million in 2022.<\/p>\n