SBS reportedly secures broadcast rights for 2030 FIFA World Cup

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Image Credits: Special Broadcasting Service

Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) has reportedly secured the Australian broadcast rights for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, allowing Australians to watch football’s biggest tournament for free.

According to the Australian Financial Review, the broadcaster finalised a deal with FIFA several months ago, although the agreement has yet to be officially announced. If confirmed, the deal would see SBS broadcast its 12th consecutive FIFA World Cup, and host its third in a row exclusively after sharing the rights in 2018 with Optus Sport.

The reported agreement follows a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign for SBS. The broadcaster delivered all 104 matches live and free across SBS’s television channels and its app SBS On Demand. The tournament generated significant audience engagement, with SBS announcing 64% of Australians tuned in to their platforms during the tournament and 5.4 million watched the final of Spain against Argentina.

The 2030 FIFA World Cup is set to be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal and Spain, while Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay will stage the tournament’s opening centenary matches in celebration of the competition’s 100-year anniversary. The fee agreed between FIFA and SBS is yet to be announced, but the state broadcaster paid $30 million to be the national broadcaster of the 2026 World Cup.

As FIFA explores the potential for a 64 team tournament for 2030, broadcasters will continue to battle for coverage rights. An increased number of matches will continue to increase the exposure and financial viability of showing the World Cup.

For Australian football fans, the reported deal would provide continuity in World Cup coverage. With SBS continuing its decades-long commitment to delivering the sport’s premier international competition to free-to-air audiences.

An official announcement from SBS or FIFA regarding the 2030 broadcast agreement is yet to be made.

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Soceroos and Matildas sue Football Australia over financial dispute

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Image Credit: Football Australias

Players of the Socceroos and Matildas have launched legal action against Football Australia over a multi-million dollar dispute relating to their revenue-sharing agreement in the NSW Supreme Court.

According to the Australian Associated Press (AAP), the players’ union, Professional Footballers Australia (PFA), are enacting on behalf of the players and are understood to be pursuing a seven figure claim.

The PFA is expected to argue the revenue-sharing agreement between the governing body and national team players is not being fulfilled properly.

The PFA is yet to comment.

But the FA has acknowledged the legal dispute, claiming it is in relation to, “a third party in connection with a separate matter currently being conducted before the National Dispute Resolution Chamber (NDRC)”.

‘The Supreme Court’s role is limited to the subpoena process, and its involvement ends once that process is complete,’ an FA spokesperson said.

‘As the NDRC matter is ongoing and subject to confidentiality obligations, Football Australia will not comment further,’ they stated.

In 2023, a collective bargaining agreement was signed between the players’ union and FA. It gave the Socceroos and Matildas stars a portion of the national teams revenue which contributes up to half of FA’s overall earnings.

Additionally, the agreement included incentives for players and FA to work together, allowing both sides the chance to reap even larger rewards.

Registration fees or sponsors for programs that fund grassroots football are strictly prohibited in relation to the players’ cut of revenue. 

However, as long as it relates to the national team the players receive an 18-20 per cent portion of all relevant finances. This could include ticketing, kit sales, broadcast or sponsorship contracts. Through the CBA this money makes its way back to the players.

Matildas icon Lisa De Vanna, who played 150 times for the national team from 2004-19 has already made her opinion heard on there lawsuit via X.

“1 of the best-paid teams in the world, w best elite environments: 40 personal staff,business flights,5 star hotels, private chefs N baristas n still not happy,” she said.

“Instead of knocking game when it’s at its lowest, maybe play for pride n not greed.”

The disagreement comes just before the Socceroos head to the Middle East during the November international break.

With the squad set to be announced later this week, the ill-feeling between players and the governing body will hopefully remain separate from the performances on the pitch.

Football NSW announce price freeze for junior and youth players

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Image Credit: Football NSW

Football NSW has announced a fee freeze for junior and youth community players in 2027, continuing its pledge to keep the game accessible for everyone across the state. 

In addition, senior players aged 19 and above will see their registration fee increase by just $1.50. Both junior and youth player fees will remain the same at $54.43, whilst senior members will pay $107.50.

The fee freeze highlights Football NSW’s commitment to keeping the game financially convenient for both players and families. 

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, said via Football NSW, “Football is the game of the people, and we recognise the importance of keeping participation accessible for families across our state. By freezing our registration fees for junior and youth players in 2027, we are continuing to support the next generation of footballers and help ensure that cost is not an unnecessary barrier to participation.”

The decision comes following similar price freezes at Football Queensland and Northern NSW Football in 2025. 

Despite the governing bodies acting separately, their unity on maintaining affordability throughout the game is a welcome sign. Managing to keep fees at an fair rate for families is a key component in sustaining grassroots football across the country.

“We have worked hard to manage the pressures facing the game, particularly around insurance, while ensuring Football NSW can continue to deliver the services and support our clubs, associations and participants expect,” said Tsatsimas. 

Despite the cost of living crisis, it is important that the game remains accessible for everyone. Football NSW have identified that even during tougher financial times, they can keep it that way. 

Through diligent financial handling, especially with care surrounding insurance and inflation (more of which can be read here), they are prioritising the game long-term over a short financial gain.

This fee freeze will directly impact the senior players and the families of younger members, too. The decision makes football not only more accessible, but provides more opportunities for players to strive for the highest levels of the game. 

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