Australia’s Network Ten Lose AFL Broadcasting Rights After 11 Years

June 23, 2011

Australia’s Network Ten have confirmed they will not broadcast Australian Football League (AFL) football next season after negotiations with Seven West Media failed.

Seven West Media won the rights to broadcast four of the nine weekly games from 2012-16 and had originally indicated that they would entertain on-selling to Network Ten, whom they have held joint free-to-air rights with over the past five years.

But Network Ten have opted not to enter negotiations to extend their coverage, meaning the network will be without AFL football for the first time in 11 years.

Network Ten’s head of sport David Barham said: “It is a bit of a shame. It’s the choice of the network. It’s purely a business decision. Everyone is disappointed but understands the decision.”

Seven West Media paid approximately US$500m to broadcast four matches a round plus the finals and Grand Final. Fox Sports will broadcast all nine games live for the first time.