The AFL has announced a partnership with the Seven Network and Foxtel that will see all NAB AFL Women’s matches broadcast live on television for the next four years.
The deal is reportedly worth $2.5m. Foxtel will show every game while Seven will show selected matches and all finals.
The partnership formalises Seven and Foxtel’s long-term commitment to AFLW, with all matches broadcast live around the country.
In 2019, the Seven Network will broadcast two games per round live in every state and territory plus all non-Victorian club matches into their respective local markets, while Foxtel will broadcast all 38 AFLW games live.
From 2020, the Seven Network will broadcast three games per round, with Foxtel continuing to air every game live.
Both networks will broadcast all finals matches live nationally throughout the four-year partnership.
All games will also be available live on the digital platforms of Seven and Foxtel and via the official AFLW Live App thanks to Telstra.
The announcement is the latest in several developments for season three of AFLW, including expansion teams Geelong and North Melbourne joining the competition and a match to be played in every state and territory in 2019.
Head of women’s football Nicole Livingstone said the broadcast agreement was a significant moment in the history of AFLW and women’s sport across the country.
“We look forward to working with all of our AFLW teams to bring to life our competition, clubs and players, with dynamic and insightful coverage through our valued broadcast partners in Seven and Foxtel.” Livingstone said.
“The anticipation around season three of the AFLW continues to build and the new broadcast agreement is another important milestone in the journey we are on.
“Our supporters, players, clubs and the broader community will continue to embrace the growth of women’s football and we are thrilled that every AFLW match will be broadcast live on television for at least the next four years.
“We thank Seven and Foxtel for their fantastic commitment to and support of AFLW.”
Seven Melbourne managing director Lewis Martin said: “Seven is proud to be a partner in the continued growth of AFLW. As the first broadcaster of the women’s game along with our long history with footy, Channel 7 has been a key part of the development of the game.
“This new agreement, covering the next four years, will have a positive impact on the commercial future of AFLW and will guarantee access for AFLW fans Australia wide.”
Head of Fox Sports Peter Campbell said: “Foxtel was an inaugural broadcaster of the AFLW and we’re delighted to continue our relationship with this new four-year partnership which will see every match, including the finals, air live and ad break free during play on Fox Footy.
“The AFLW is an exciting competition that continues to grow, with two new teams added for the 2019 season, and we can’t wait to showcase the current and aspiring young female athletes on Foxtel.”
Season three of the NAB AFL Women’s competition kicks off on Saturday February 2 when Geelong takes on Collingwood at GMHBA Stadium.
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Top Photos Nicole Livingstone with AFLW players (Source: AFL)