AFL Secures Three-Year State of Origin Extension in Major Commercial and Tourism Boost

The Australian Football League (AFL) has confirmed a major three-year extension for the AAMI AFL Origin series, locking in elite state-based representative football from 2027 through 2029.

Following the commercial return of the concept earlier this year which drew more than 58,000 fans to Optus Stadium, the renewed schedule guarantees marquee fixtures across Western Australia and South Australia, providing corporate partners, broadcasters, and fans with long-term certainty.

The upcoming three-year calendar commences in February 2027 when Western Australia hosts South Australia at Optus Stadium, marking nearly three decades since the two states last clashed under elite State of Origin rules and coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Origin match played in Western Australia in 1977.

In 2028, South Australia and Adelaide Oval will host a blockbuster encounter between South Australia and Victoria, before Western Australia welcomes Victoria back to Optus Stadium in 2029.

Emphasising the importance of locking in the representative structure, AFL CEO, Andrew Dillon, said: “State football is one of the great traditions of our game, and we are pleased to see it continue in 2027 and beyond after the huge success of its return earlier this year which saw more than 58,000 people fill Optus Stadium in Perth.”

“Locking in the structure for the next three years provides fans, clubs, players and stakeholders certainty on Origin, allowing them to embrace the state rivalry and celebrate our great game,” Dillon said. 

State governments have backed the partnership as a powerful catalyst for regional tourism and economic activity.

Highlighting the upside, Western Australia Premier, Roger Cook, added: “Hosting the 2027 and 2029 AFL Origin against South Australia and Victoria is a significant boost for our local tourism industry and businesses, offering more local jobs.”

Echoing these sentiments regarding the 2028 Adelaide Oval fixture, South Australian Premier, Peter Malinauskas, noted: “Our hotels, restaurants bars and pubs will benefit from Victorians flooding into SA to witness Origin on the most spectacular of stages at the Adelaide Oval.”

Financial backing is reinforced by the continuation of AAMI as the official naming rights partner. Broadcast coverage will span the Seven Network, Foxtel, 7plus, Kayo, and WatchAFL, delivering extensive national and international exposure for host cities Perth and Adelaide.

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