Nine Network Secures Seven-Year Broadcast Partnership with Australian Athletics

Australian Athletics has announced a seven-year broadcast partnership with the 9Network, establishing free-to-air coverage from 2027 through to the end of 2033.

Announced during the NRL Grand Final, the multi-year agreement spans a strategic cycle encompassing the Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the arrangement, every live hour of licensed domestic events, including the Maurie Plant Meet and national championships, will be broadcast live and free across Channel 9 and the 9Now digital platform. The alliance aims to capitalise on elite Australian performances while expanding domestic visibility and sponsorship value.

Beyond live event broadcasting, the agreement incorporates digital storytelling, preview shows, and feature-length documentary productions slated for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic years.

Emphasising the significance of aligning with a major network, Australian Athletics CEO, Simon Hollingsworth, said: “This is a landmark day for athletics in Australia.”

“Our athletes are among the best in the world, and this partnership gives more Australians the opportunity to see them compete, get to know them and follow their journeys.

“With the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics 2032 on the horizon, we wanted a partner that shared our ambition for the sport and was prepared to invest in building athletics over the long term.

“Nine is not simply broadcasting our events, they are backing our athletes, telling their stories and helping us build a bigger audience for athletics across Australia.

““There has never been a more exciting time for our sport, and we believe this partnership can play an important role in turning the momentum we have today into something enduring,” he said.

Highlighting the momentum driving the partnership, Nine director of sport, Brent Williams, added: “Australian Athletics is entering a golden era and we are thrilled to be on board such an epic ride through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”

“Australia already boasts some of the most exciting athletes on the planet, with a great promise of more to come.

“We look forward to the journey, telling their stories and sharing their magical moments with all of Australia across the screens of Nine,” Williams shared.

Australian Athletics president, Jane Flemming, noted the community impact of expanded national television exposure.

“We know our sport is something everyone relates to, running, jumping, walking and rolling, and now the entire community will get to connect to it in an ongoing and live nature.”

“From our athletes competing on the world stage to the kids discovering athletics for the first time on a Saturday morning, visibility matters.

“Seeing our athletes competing in Australian stadiums, live on national television, gives young Australians heroes to follow and something to aspire to,” she said.

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