Foxtel breaks A-League broadcast deal

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Foxtel has backed out of its deal with Football Federation Australia to broadcast domestic football, including the A-League.

The current broadcast deal was originally signed in December 2016 and is worth around $57 million a year. The current agreement was set to run until 2023.

The Australian Financial Review reported that a clause in the broadcast deal in regards to content not being delivered for a certain amount of time has consequently allowed Foxtel to exit from the contract.

Foxtel is expected to seek a more affordable deal to broadcast the rest of the 2020 season. A new arrangement could be announced as early as today, with negotiations continuing between Foxtel and the FFA.

Foxtel has also removed all A-League and W-League content from its platforms. Match replays and highlights are now no longer available on both Kayo Sports and Foxtel Go.

On Thursday, Peter Campbell, the head of the Fox Sports told the Herald and The Age that Fox Sports was looking into its football content.

“We’ve got no live football at the moment and we’re currently reviewing all our football offering, and that’s the reason why it’s not there at the moment,” he said.

The A-League season was postponed on March 24th, with the season set to resume on July 16th with Melbourne Victory taking on Western United at AAMI Park.

A-League clubs were able to return to training from Wednesday ahead of the remaining 27 games of the regular season. The games will be played over 28 days before the finals series gets underway.

Foxtel and Fox Sports has been a broadcast partner of the FFA for 15 years, but in recent times TV ratings have been declining.

Many broadcasters and sports have renegotiated broadcast deals following the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week the Australian Football League reached an agreement with Foxtel and Seven West Media for a reduction in payments for 2020. The AFL extended its deal with Seven by two years but was unable to come to an agreement for an extension with Foxtel.

Meanwhile the National Rugby League lowered its broadcast fees and agreed to a new deal with Foxtel and Nine Entertainment Co in late May.

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PFA and Fans Association Unite to Bring Fans Closer to Players

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Image credit: PFA

Professional Footballers Australia (PFA) and the Football Supporters Association Australia (FSAA) have confirmed a new partnership aimed at establishing an official link between professional players and their fans.

The agreement sets out for the two organisations to work together on initiatives that:

  • Foster stronger, more genuine connections between players and supporters

  • Enhance the involvement of players and fans in football decision-making

  • Produce data-driven insights to support the long-term growth of the game

Founded in 2023, the FSAA is a volunteer organisation created to provide a unified, independent voice for Australian football supporters, prioritising a supporter-first approach.

The FSAA represents the interests of fans across all levels of the game and has recently submitted supporter-focused recommendations to Football Australia (FA) and the Australian Professional Leagues (APL).

PFA Chief Executive, Beau Busch highlighted the significance of the new strong foundation already established with the FSAA and the potential for future collaboration.

“Since the establishment of FSAA, we have been able to build an effective working relationship, and this agreement represents another step forward in our shared pursuit of building the game,” he said via PFA press release.

“Globally, we have seen firsthand the benefits of strong collaboration between fan groups and player unions.

“Together we believe we are better equipped to shape the future of Australian football and ensure that the voices of fans and players are heard and respected.”

FSAA Chair, Patrick Clancy described the accord with the PFA as a natural connection between the organisations representing Australian football’s two key groups, players and supporters.

“Australia’s professional players have an inextricable connection with supporters. Many have grown up on the terraces and in the stands and then progress to taking on the game as a career,” he said via FSAA official media release.

“For supporters, there is that strong emotional connection with the players of the club they support week in, week out.

“FSAA wants to continue to foster and grow this important relationship, leverage off our mutual understandings and improve the game in Australia for players and supporters alike.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on 20 October 2025 by PFA CEO Beau Busch and FSAA Chair Patrick Clancy, formalising the partnership.

This represents the FSAA’s first MoU with another organisation, with the expectation of establishing additional partnerships in the near future.

Deploy Named Official Match Ball Provider for Gold Coast International 2026

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Image provided by Deploy Football

Deploy, Australia’s leading developer and manufacturer of performance sporting solutions, has been announced as the authorised provider of official match balls for the Gold Coast International 2026. The partnership highlights Deploy’s commitment to supporting football players and clubs across Australia with high quality reliable products.

With a focus on performance, durability and innovation, Deploy ensures every player from grassroots to elite levels can rely on equipment designed to enhance the game. Their premium footballs are crafted to meet the demands of training and competition delivering consistency and quality in every match.

Beyond footballs, Deploy provides practical solutions to clubs supporting the community with products and services that save time, reduce administrative burdens, and help teams perform at their best. This collaboration demonstrates Deploy’s ongoing dedication to growing football in Australia and providing players and clubs with equipment they can trust.

As the official match ball provider for the Gold Coast International 2026, Deploy looks forward to equipping players for a memorable tournament and reinforcing its role as a key partner in the Australian football community.

For more information, email info@deployfootball.com or call 1800 384 327.

Visit https://deploy.com.au to explore products and services.

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