Football Federation Australia (FFA) has announced a new rights deal that will see one live A-League game broadcast on free-to-air television every Friday night.
SBS secured the free-to-air rights for the A-League in a four year deal, commencing from the 2013-14 season. The $160 million deal – made up of $140 million in cash and $20 million in advertising – marks the first time Australia’s premier domestic football competition will be broadcast on free-to-air TV since the A-League’s inception.
SBS will also show all A-League finals on a one-hour delay during that time, and will broadcast the rest of the Socceroos’ 2014 World Cup qualifiers – also on delay – effective immediately. “The former sleeping giant of Australian sport is awake,” new FFA CEO David Gallop told a media conference on Monday. “He’s out of bed, he’s in the street and now has some cash in his pockets.”
Fox Sports will continue to broadcast all A-League games live over the duration of the deal. FFA chairman Frank Lowy has hailed the deal, calling it one of the most valuable agreements in Australian football’s history. “Today, the new broadcast arrangements will give FFA an unprecedented opportunity to implement its strategic plans for Australian football,” he said in a statement.
“There’s never been any doubt that the game has a bright future in this nation, but today the football family can take comfort from the huge vote of confidence from our broadcast partners. “Fox Sports, Foxtel and SBS are broadcasters who know football and care about the game. They will all be important partners in the exciting growth in the years ahead.”
Despite the increase in money, Lowy says the A-League’s salary cap will not be raised. Fox Sports chief executive Patrick Delany said the pay TV broadcaster was happy to simulcast the Friday night game with SBS as it would help grow the game. “Our vision, together with Foxtel and FFA, is for football to become part of Australia’s summer fabric, whether it’s going to watch an A-League game or kicking the ball around in a park or on the beach,” he said.
SBS managing director Michael Ebeid believes it is fitting that the A-League and the Socceroos will have a free-to-air presence on Australian televisions. “This agreement is exciting news for football fans across the country and will give all Australians access to the A-League and the Socceroos,” Ebeid said in a statement. “We are proud to be part of this new partnership which will help take the domestic game in Australia to the next level.”