Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium could become an even more valuable year-round venue if Rugby League continues to grow under the backing of Andy Burnham, with the lifelong Everton supporter pledging to champion the sport “in whatever office I hold.”
Burnham, who recently entered Parliament as MP for Makerfield, has long been one of Everton's most prominent supporters and remains a regular visitor to both Goodison Park and the club's new waterfront stadium.
While his football loyalties are well known, his role as President of the Rugby Football League has also placed him at the forefront of efforts to increase the sport's profile and secure greater investment.
Those ambitions could ultimately have significant financial benefits for Everton.
Why could Burnham's support benefit Everton?
Hill Dickinson Stadium has quickly established itself as more than simply Everton's new home.
The club has made no secret of its ambition to transform the venue into a multi-purpose events destination capable of generating revenue throughout the year.
One of the biggest additions to that strategy has been hosting Rugby League's Magic Weekend, which made its debut at the stadium in 2026.
The event proved a commercial success, with strong ticket sales helping convince Rugby League chiefs to return to Merseyside for the 2027 edition before the first weekend had even concluded.
Burnham has repeatedly argued that Rugby League deserves greater public funding, increased media exposure and stronger recognition for the work clubs perform within their communities.
“As President of the RFL, I sponsored a piece of work looking at the contribution of Rugby League clubs to their communities and it is truly huge,” Burnham said during a Reddit Q&A.
“I do not believe Rugby League has had fair treatment over the years when it comes to public funding or coverage in the media.
“I want to see progress on the other two, and I will be a staunch advocate for the game in whatever office I hold.”
If those ambitions translate into increased investment and larger audiences, Everton stand to benefit directly through higher attendances and greater demand for non-football events at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Could Hill Dickinson Stadium become Rugby League's biggest venue?
Magic Weekend may be only the beginning of Everton's Rugby League ambitions.
The club has previously been linked with hosting the Super League Grand Final, an event traditionally staged at Old Trafford. With the new stadium already impressing organisers and supporters alike, Everton could emerge as a leading candidate should the showpiece fixture move in future years.
Expanding the stadium's events calendar is a central part of Everton's long-term business model. Every major concert, sporting event or entertainment spectacle held outside the football season increases matchday revenue, boosts hospitality income and strengthens the financial case for the £800 million development.
Should Rugby League continue to grow, Hill Dickinson Stadium is perfectly positioned to become one of the sport's flagship venues.
FGG says: Multi-purpose venues are the future
Modern stadiums cannot rely solely on football if they are to maximise revenue, and Everton recognised that from the outset, designing Hill Dickinson Stadium as a venue capable of hosting a wide variety of major events.
Rugby League already appears to be a key part of that strategy, and Burnham's commitment to expanding the sport could indirectly benefit his boyhood club.
Whether or not he one day becomes Prime Minister, a stronger Rugby League landscape would almost certainly make Everton's new stadium an even more valuable asset.