National League Vow to Monitor Financial Findings

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, October 18, 2026

The National League has acknowledged a report revealing that 94% of English football clubs operate at a loss, with many technically insolvent and heavily reliant on owner funding. The league emphasized its commitment to financial sustainability and collaborative efforts with regulators and stakeholders to support club viability and promote initiatives like the "3UP" campaign for increased promotion opportunities.

The National League has responded to a recent independent report highlighting significant financial instability across English football clubs, with the majority operating at a loss and many facing insolvency. The "State of the Game" report, released in October 2026, reveals that 94% of clubs are running at a loss, while over 60% of clubs within the English Football League (EFL) and National League are considered technically insolvent.

The report outlines several concerning findings, noting that 17 clubs in the EFL and National League would still be unprofitable even if their players were unpaid. It also emphasizes the heavy reliance on owner funding, with 66% of clubs projected unable to sustain operations beyond 90 days without additional financial support from owners. Nearly a third of clubs indicated they could not last more than 30 days without such funding. Additionally, 68% of clubs reportedly lack contingency plans should their owners withdraw financial backing.

In response, the National League issued a statement acknowledging the report and underscoring its commitment to addressing the challenges identified. The league emphasized its collaborative role alongside the Premier League and EFL within the independent football regulator’s (IFR) remit, highlighting the importance of ensuring the sustainability of all clubs within the football pyramid.

The National League also welcomed the report as an opportunity to promote positive change, particularly noting the emphasis on youth development and financial sustainability that benefits fans, owners, and local communities. The league reaffirmed its dedication to working with relevant stakeholders to support these critical goals.

Furthermore, the National League pointed to the broad support for the ongoing "3UP" campaign, which seeks to secure three promotion spots from the National League to the EFL, as indicative of the league’s evolving status within the English football hierarchy. They highlighted the success of clubs that have progressed from the National League to higher divisions.

With 72 clubs currently in the National League, the league stated that all remain united in their support for the campaign’s implementation, viewing financial stability as central to the future health of non-league football. The National League’s response signals an intention to closely monitor financial developments and engage constructively with regulators and clubs to mitigate the risks outlined in the report.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.