AFL signs historic broadcast rights deal with Foxtel, Telstra and Seven

The Australian Football League has signed a historical broadcast rights deal of AU$2.5 billion with Telstra, Fox Sports and Seven, allowing viewers to see more live games broadcast in more parts of Australia than ever before.

The deal is all set to run for six years starting in 2017 until 2022. It mentions that Foxtel will be broadcasting every match live, whereas Channel Seven has been allowed to broadcast three matches live per round in every state and territory, along with the coverage of the grand final and Brownlow Medal count. However, AFL retains control of the production of the matches, including setting up the schedules of the finales.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the deal on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of News Corp chairman Rupert Murdoch, representing Foxtel, as well as Telstra CEO Andy Penn and Seven chairman Kerry Stokes.

“It’s a great day for our game,” McLachlan said. “It gives our game the chance to invest in the future.”

He said he was extremely proud to announce the historic deal and continue to strive to establish the best code in Australia’s sporting landscape. "The AFL's challenge is to stay Australia's game," McLachlan added.

“The deal will keep the AFL season at 22 matches per-team, with the weekly schedule to remain largely the same as is currently in place, with one match on Friday night, two on Saturday afternoon, one on Saturday twilight, two on Sunday afternoon and one on Sunday twilight,” he was quoted by ABC as saying.

Meanwhile, Seven network will be airing matches free in High Definition.

Taking a dig at the NRL’s deal with nine, Murdoch said the deal, which is indicative of a "substantial investment" from his side, was the ultimate premium code in Australia. He boasted of the strength that lies in the game and agreed to do whatever was necessary to make the deal further stronger.

Last week, the NRL announced its own TV deal with the Nine Network worth around AU$925 million, with four matches per round to be broadcast on free-to-air television.

Contact the writer at feedback@ibtimes.com.au, or let us know what you think below.