In just one of the last 11 years have the County Ground club not posted a profit, after confirming a pre-tax surplus of £105,000 for the year ending 31 December 2023
Derbyshire remain one of the financial standard-bearers in county cricket after confirming a 10th year of profit since 2013.
Only once in the last 11 years - 2018, when a total loss of £279,533 was reported - has a deficit been declared.
That year included the collapse of principal sponsor 3aaa but the club's financial position, which last year saw them become debt-free a year ahead of schedule, is much stronger these days.
Their continued success was underpinned by record aggregate T20 Blast ticket sales, a first sold-out England women's international against Sri Lanka in September and hosting other success events including British rock band The Who.
Related: The County MOT: A deep dive into the finances of the 18 counties
Such results will allow Derbyshire to build on the record investment in cricket activities, including the playing squad. And though they have not bid to host one of eight tier one women's teams, they are a rare example of a financially-heathy first-class county.
Set against the loss-making County Championship, several are in a perilous position.
Gloucestershire's last set of financial figures included a £570,000 loss, while Middlesex (despite reporting a £131,000 profit for the last financial year) will be without an overseas player in 2024 due to tight resources. Essex are facing having to sell off part of their portfolio to ensure they survive beyond the final quarter of the year.
Derbyshire will start the season in a decent financial position (Getty Images)
Perhaps most concerningly, Glamorgan, who host England men's internationals and Welsh Fire in The Hundred are anticipating a "challenging" year having lost £316,000 for the calendar year to December 31, 2023, compared to an operating profit of £53,000 in 2022.
Elsewhere, Alan Hill will remain Derbyshire's club president for a second year, news which was confirmed at the club's AGM.
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