AFL Fans Face Paywall for Saturday Live Coverage in 2025

Introduction

Starting from the 2025 AFL season, fans will need a subscription to Foxtel or its streaming platform Kayo to watch live Saturday games. This marks a significant change in the way AFL is broadcast, as free-to-air coverage will be limited to select matches.

New Broadcast Deal with Fox Sports and Channel Seven

The new agreement between Fox Sports and Channel Seven will affect AFL fans across Victoria, Tasmania, and nationwide during the first eight rounds of the season. While Channel Seven will continue to provide some free-to-air coverage via 7plus, fans who wish to watch every Saturday match live will have to pay for a subscription.

Subscription Costs and Fan Reactions

Fans who want full access to live Saturday AFL matches will need to subscribe to Kayo, which offers:

• Basic plan: $25 per month
• Premium plan: $40 per month

Many fans have expressed frustration over the shift towards a paid model, arguing that AFL should remain accessible on free-to-air television. Social media reactions indicate concerns about affordability and accessibility, especially for families and long-time AFL supporters.

The Trend Towards Paywalled Sports Content

This decision aligns with a growing global trend where sports content is increasingly moved behind paywalls. Other major platforms, including Disney+ and Amazon Prime, have expanded their sports broadcasting, signaling a shift towards subscription-based sports consumption.

Impact on AFL Viewership

While Foxtel's CEO Patrick Delany believes fans will adjust to this transition, some analysts predict a potential decline in AFL viewership, particularly among casual fans who may not be willing to pay for a subscription.

The AFL's move to a subscription-based model for Saturday live coverage in 2025 has sparked debate among fans and industry experts. While it may provide financial benefits for broadcasters, it raises concerns about accessibility and the future of free-to-air sports.