Matildas dominate in attendance and TV ratings across Seven Network

Alex Bagdasarian21/07/2023 5:26 pm21/07/2023

Image via CommBank Matildas

Last night, the Matildas’ enthralling opener against the Republic of Ireland in the FIFA Women’s World Cup saw a record of 75,784 in attendance in what was the biggest ever turn-out for a Matildas match, and an all-time record for attendance in a women’s football match.

The numbers were equally amazing on Seven’s coverage, griping the nation with their football-loving fans tuning in was an out-of-the-park hit with viewers, reaching 4.88 million people around the country.

The pulsating game had an engaging audience averaging 1.94 million, with the match reaching its climax at 2.28 million viewers to dominate the broadcasting schedule.

The demographic of the match was 53.9 percent in the 25-54 age group, and 57.8 percent in the 16-39s.

Seven’s Head of Sport and Managing Director Lewis Martin said via press release:

“It was fantastic to see the Matildas in action last night and their victory over Ireland was a great start to their campaign to claim the Cup, the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest global sporting event of the year, the most-attended standalone women’s sporting event in history and a true celebration of women’s sport,” he said.

“The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 will be the biggest global sporting event of the year, the most-attended standalone women’s sporting event in history and a true celebration of women’s sport.

“We’re honoured to be bringing the key matches to all of Australia live and free.”

The Matildas next opponent will be Nigeria in Brisbane on Thursday July 27 – followed by Canada in Melbourne on Monday July 31.

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Mbappé move from Nike to On signals new battle for Football’s sponsorship market

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 6:00 pm23/09/2026

Image Credit: Shutterstock

Kylian Mbappé’s decision to leave Nike after almost 20 years has opened a new chapter in the commercial battle for football’s biggest names. The Real Madrid and France star has joined Swiss sportswear brand On, a significant boon for the company on entry into the football market.

Mbappé’s departure is a significant commercial loss for Nike. The forward joined the company as a nine-year-old and grew into one of its leading football figures. His loss compounds the recent transition of Spanish star Lamine Yamal to long-time rival Adidas.

On built its reputation in running, before expanding into tennis via Roger Federer. It will now use Mbappé’s experience as it develops football products, with its first boots expected to become widely available in the near future. Former France star Thierry Henry has also joined On as its football director and is a shareholder.

On has confirmed that Mbappé’s agreement includes both cash and equity, although the financial details have not been released, gives the partnership a deeper commercial connection than a traditional endorsement deal. Nike still holds significant football contracts, including long-term partnership with numerous national teams.

However, Mbappé’s move gives On an opportunity to challenge the established order, including Nike, Adidas, Puma and other emerging competitors. But will they turn this prized signature into lasting football credibility? To do so, the brand must now deliver products that can compete on performance, design and price.

Mbappé’s switch is therefore more than a sponsorship change. It signals an increasingly competitive fight for football’s most influential athletes and the billions of fans who follow them.

SBS expands Australian Championship broadcast coverage for 2026

Oliver Van Bronswijk23/09/2026 9:01 am23/09/2026

Image Credits: Football Australia

The Australian Championship will enter its second season with an expanded broadcast partnership between Football Australia and SBS. The 2026 competition will feature two live SBS broadcasts in every round, marking an increase from the tournament’s debut season.

Thursday night football will form a key part of the new broadcast schedule. The opening match will see Preston Lions face Wollongong Wolves on October 15th, with the game broadcast live on SBS2 and SBS On Demand. Saturday football will also remain part of the free-to-air schedule; first up, Sutherland Sharks’ clash with South Melbourne on October 17th will be shown live on SBS and SBS On Demand.

The expanded agreement gives the competition a greater presence across SBS’s linear channels while retaining its full streaming coverage, with every match across the 2026 Australian Championship available live on SBS On Demand. The platform also provides full replays and highlights for viewers to access at their discretion.

In addition to SBS’ coverage, Football Australia will also stream the competition via YouTube.

The Australian Championship consists of a six-round group stage, finals beginning at quarter-finals from November 26, and a Grand Final scheduled currently between December 10-12.

It features 16 clubs from seven states and territories. The broadcast schedule places several historic fixtures in front of a national audience: South Melbourne will meet Sydney United 58 in a repeat of the 1999 NSL Grand Final, and Sydney Olympic and Marconi Stallions will also renew a rivalry that includes NSL Grand Final meetings in 1989 and 1990.