As more patrons look for an all-encompassing entertainment experience when they go out, live sport continues to be a crucial feature that draws patrons to pubs.
Not only do hotels provide excellent meals at reasonable prices, but combined with cutting-edge AV equipment and an exciting atmosphere, there’s no wonder that pub sports bars still pack out for all the big fixtures and pay-per-view events. Underpinning a venue’s live sport offer is Foxtel’s comprehensive broadcast program.
“Foxtel Group is the home of sport in Australia. We have long-term rights to the local and international sports Aussies love,” says Rebecca McCloy, executive director – commercial sport.
“In the last 12 months we signed 175 contracts with 120 sports bodies and federations.
“We’ve locked down deals for AFL and Cricket until 2031. And importantly, we have the biggest offering. Every minute of every AFL game throughout the season plus the finals up to the Grand Final, plus the most extensive cricket offering available to our more than three million sports subscribers.”
And it doesn’t stop there.
“Add to those new deals with ESPN, Matchroom, and a five-year contract with UFC, which has the youngest fan base of any professional sport in the world, and our offering is unmatched,” states McCloy.
From 2025, the new AFL rights will come into effect. As well as all AFL and AFLW home and away games and finals (excluding the AFL Grand Final) available on Foxtel and Kayo Sports live and ad break free during play, the Foxtel Group will introduce an exclusive Super Saturday of games across the first eight rounds of the season.
For the first time Fox Sports’ commentary and production will be available on all AFL games including alternate commentary feeds and expanded digital highlights.
2024 footy seasons underway
After a long wait, the AFL and NRL seasons are back, with both codes more popular than ever. 2023 was a record year for viewership for both the AFL and NRL, and Foxtel expects these records will be broken once again in 2024.
There’s a lot of excitement being drummed up around both codes, particularly after the two Las Vegas games of NRL’s opening round. Played in the same stadium that housed this year’s nail-biting Super Bowl, the Sea Eagles, Rabbitohs, Roosters and Broncos gave Americans a taste of the Aussie game.
The Las Vegas games were just one exciting facet of the season, but the question everyone wants answered is whether the Penrith Panthers can make it four Premierships in a row. With changes to the winning squad and the Brisbane Broncos looking to make up for last year’s heart-breaking loss, it will be a difficult feat. One thing’s for sure – it’s going to be another great season.
Competition is heating up in the AFL as well. Could the likes of Carlton or the GWS Giants upset the applecart and go one step further this year to make the Grand Final?
Time will tell, but throughout the season Foxtel will be delivering all of the AFL and NRL action, ensuring that there’s always a reason for your sports-loving members to visit your club for the best sporting action.