Network Ten has launched a monster $3 billion bid to broadcast every AFL game for the 2025 season, according to The Weekend Australian.
Outgoing CEO Gillon McLachlan is currently deep in TV negotiations with several networks, with the report stating Ten is offering $600m per season for at least five years.
While it is believed that current rights holders – Channel 7 and Foxtel – are still favourites to retain broadcast rights beyond 2024, Ten’s lucrative play at AFL rights is set to ignite a bidding war.
Ten has reportedly told AFL executives that its intention would be to show some games on their main free to air channel, with other matches to be streamed on streaming service Paramount Plus.
Paramount Plus recently launched in Australia, with their first foray into domestic rights coming after they inked a five-year deal to broadcast A-League matches.
The report also states that Channel 9 – who currently own free to air NRL rights – have put formal a proposal to air Thursday night AFL games.
Channel 9 currently owns subscription streaming service Stan, which has rights to Rugby Union and all four tennis majors.
The current AFL TV deal ends at the end of the 2024 season, with the AFL opting to extend both their free to air and subscription TV partners for further seasons during two pandemic-affected years.
An announcement on TV rights is expected to come within weeks, ahead of Gillon McLachlan stepping down as CEO at the end of the season.