Otago's inability to reach the top seven of the ITM Cup may have an impact on the finances of the union while negotiations for players for next season are ongoing.
But there is no word of a clean-out of players happening, and a full debrief would take place at the end of the season.
Otago is going into this weekend's penultimate round of the ITM Cup bottom of the competition and any hope of making the top seven has long since disappeared.
The future of many Otago players appears cloudy as the side has failed to live up to expectation.
The domestic competition next year would split into two, with the top seven teams from this year's competition playing in the premiership and the bottom seven - of which Otago would be one - in the championship.
Though teams in the championship will still play against those in the premiership for four games, Otago - with just two wins this season - is clearly not going to be in the top echelon of provincial rugby.
Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Reid said the performance of the first XV did have a bearing on things commercially.
"Gate takings do not have a big impact on income, but the first XV does drive things commercially.
"It is hard to say what will be the effect on that," he said.
"Some sponsorships are for two to three years and we are in the middle of those, while others are up for renewal and we will have to see about those."
Gate takings made up only about 2% of income from the union, with sponsorship and income from broadcasting and the New Zealand Rugby Union the main funders.
Otago had undergone a campaign this season to raise funds to keep and sign players to get into the top seven.
Though it has attracted more than 50 businesses and individuals to its first XV club, and more than 20 rural members, the investment has failed to materialise in terms of results on the paddock.
Reid said it did not matter what it was called, Otago would be playing in the second division next year.
With the side lying bottom of the table, there has been speculation about players not being offered new contracts, or new players being considered.
Reid said he would not comment on whether there would be a clean-out of players.
"We're always reviewing contracts.
"Some guys are coming off contract, some guys are just in the middle of deals, and there are other players to look at.
"The players are contracted through to the end of November so decisions will be made then.
"But the direct contracting makes it a bit of a different dynamic."
Players can sign for a super 15 side but play for a province not in that franchise's region from next season.
Reid felt enough information had been available since the decision was made last year to split the top division to avoid confusion.
Otago would not face teams such as North Otago and Buller but would first have to take on the other six teams in the championship before playing four games against sides from the premiership.
As part of the rules agreed by the New Zealand Rugby Union in hosting the World Cup, no other major rugby tournament can take place in the country while the World Cup is being played.
The ITM Cup would therefore kick off next season in the first week of July, in a tight eight-week window.
It will be finished in the first week of September, just before the World Cup starts.
Three midweek games will be played to fit into the tight schedule.
