Socceroos, A-League and W-League games will be shown on the ABC under new free-to-air broadcast deal
- The ABC will televise 29 live A-League matches on Saturday evenings
- Broadcaster will also show delayed broadcasts of the A-League finals matches
- Socceroos matches aired on Foxtel will also be shown on the ABC for two years
A-League club owners are claiming victory after securing a free-to-air broadcast deal with the ABC for the next two seasons.
The FFA announced on Friday the national broadcaster will televise 29 live matches in partnership with Fox Sports on Saturday evenings throughout the upcoming campaign.
The free-to-air channel will also show delayed broadcasts of A-League finals matches including an elimination final, semi-final and the grand final.
Socceroos star Aaron Mooy is seen in Australia's most recent game, a World Cup qualifier against Kuwait
The Australian Professional Football Clubs Association (APFCA) says the deal is a significant one as the league transitions to independence under club owners.
'To have the Hyundai A-League and Westfield W-League on a primary free-to-air network is an important evolution in the execution of our broadcast strategy and extends the power and impact of our Fox Sports partnership,' APFCA chairman Paul Lederer said.
'The ABC's Television, radio, digital and social platforms will allow the Australian professional game to access and engage even more fans through more touch points.'
Share this article
Recent free-to-air A-League TV deals have struggled to cut through to mainstream audiences with games broadcast by Network 10 and SBS only on their subsidiary channels.
The new deal will also feature 14 rounds of the W-League season as well as the entire W-League finals series while Socceroos matches to which Foxtel holds the rights will also be broadcast on the ABC.
November's Matildas' friendlies against Chile in Sydney and Adelaide will also be broadcast live on the free network along with next year's Asian's women's Olympic football qualifiers.
The news comes amid months of concern about Foxtel's ongoing commitment to Australian domestic football.
In May the pay TV business announced it would be reducing spending on 'non-marquee' sporting content.
Under the new arrangement the pay TV channel will still broadcast live A-League, W-League, Socceroos and Matildas matches on Foxtel and its Kayo streaming arm.
'Foxtel's commitment is clear given the role we have played in bringing this deal to life,' Fox Sports head Peter Campbell said.
'Our partnering with the ABC for the next two years will open up greater opportunities to engage football supporters around the nation.'
Most watched News videos
- Moment reckless driver uses slip road to undertake a lorry
- Comedian dons WHITEFACE to cruelly mock Erika Kirk
- Moment motorcyclist is ambushed at high speed by two thieves
- Dog groomer attacked by rival's husband at awards ceremony
- Shock footage shows 12-year-old allegedly assaulted by teen girls
- Miss Grand Thailand contestant's veneers fall out on stage
- Gang-rape victim left paraplegic will die by euthanasia
- Judge slams woman for 'driving' during virtual court appearance
- NHS doctor accused of supporting Hamas released on bail
- Lawyer plays the trans card before dramatic arrest in court
- Sperm whales lift newborn to help It breathe
- Chaotic scene unfolds as hundreds of teens overrun downtown Chicago
