AFL Expands Coverage Across New Zealand

AFL General Manager – Broadcasting, Scheduling & Major Projects Simon Lethlean said the AFL was delighted to receive the news today.

“Sommet Sports and the AFL are committed to bringing the greatest amount of AFL content to our neighbours across the Tasman,” Mr Lethlean said.　

“There is growing interest in our game in New Zealand after the first-ever match for premiership points away from Australian soil was played in Wellington earlier this year.　

“It is important that we continue to reach as many people as possible via broadcast and media coverage across all platforms.”

The AFL also wished to thank and acknowledge their long-standing partner Sky New Zealand, who for more than a decade now has been bringing AFL matches to New Zealand on subscription television.　

“The St Kilda / Sydney Swans match in Wellington on Anzac Day was a resounding success for our game as a first step to play overseas for premiership points, with a tremendous travelling contingent of Australian fans and a strong local turn-up,” Lethlean said.　

“Sky NZ was instrumental in the success of that game and broadcasting the match live nationally highlighted their exceptional support of our code.”

It is anticipated that a greater level of interest will result across participation, attendance and viewership due to the increased coverage in New Zealand.

“The AFL, Sky NZ and Sommet Sports look forward to a successful broadcast partnership over many years to come,” Lethlean said.

The AFL now has its largest coverage of matches overseas in the game’s history, thanks the support of outstanding rights holders, including ESPN, Australia Network, Orbit Showtime, Eurosport, Viva Sports, Sky New Zealand, Over the Line Sports Media, FOX Soccer and Sommet Sports.　

Additionally, LIVEAFL.tv broadcast every match of every round LIVE 　worldwide, ensuring AFL fans have the greatest access to our game across all media platforms.