Seven Network Expands VFLW Coverage with Tasmania Devils Broadcast Deal

The AFL has announced an expansion of the VFLW broadcast landscape for the 2026 season, securing a deal with the Seven Network and Sports Entertainment Group (SEG) to televise the Tasmania Devils’ first six home matches.

The agreement ensures the inaugural VFLW side receives dedicated coverage on Seven Tasmania and 7plus Sport nationally, mirroring the broadcast structure already in place for the club’s men’s VFL program.

The 2026 VFLW season, which features 13 clubs over 16 rounds, officially commences on Saturday, 16 May. The Devils’ debut match against the Casey Demons at North Hobart Oval will headline the new broadcast schedule, serving as part of a double-header with the men’s VFL side. All VFLW matches not featured on Seven will continue to be streamed live and free via AFL.com.au and the AFL Live Official App.

Hailing the deal as a milestone for the competition’s visibility, AFL executive general manager of Finance, Broadcast and Infrastructure, Matthew Chun, said: “The AFL is delighted to partner with the Seven Network and SEN to showcase the VFLW to a broader audience in 2026.”

“It’s not just a great result for the Tasmania Football Club, but also supporters of Victorian-based teams who can watch their VFLW team in action when travelling to take on the Devils,” Chun said.

Emphasising that the partnership is foundational to the club’s identity as it builds toward AFL and AFLW entry in 2028, Tasmania Football Club CEO, Brendon Gale, added: “This is more than just a broadcast partnership; it is about laying the right foundations.”

“When we talk about building Tasmania’s football club, we mean for everyone. These young women deserve to be seen, and every Tasmanian deserves the chance to watch them play,” Gale said.

The move follows strong ratings for the Devils’ men’s VFL home games earlier this year.

Noting that the expansion was a natural progression, Seven Network head of AFL and Sport Innovation, Gary O’Keeffe, noted: “Passionate Devils fans in Tasmania won’t be the only ones to watch their women’s side’s home matches… We cannot wait to see this team make history.” 

Seven Network VFLW Broadcast Schedule (First 6 Home Games):

• Round 1: Tasmania vs Casey Demons – North Hobart Oval, Sat 16 May, 2:35 pm
• Round 4: Tasmania vs North Melbourne – North Hobart Oval, Sat 6 June, 1:35 pm
• Round 5: Tasmania vs Darebin – UTAS Stadium, Sat 13 June, 3:35 pm
• Round 8: Tasmania vs Box Hill Hawks – (Scheduling TBC)
• Round 9: Tasmania vs Geelong Cats – (Scheduling TBC)
• Round 13: Tasmania vs Carlton – (Scheduling TBC)

In a related scheduling update, the AFL advised of time changes for two upcoming Smithy’s VFL matches on Seven Tasmania: the Round 8 clash against Southport on 16 May will now start at 11:05 am, and the Round 11 match against North Melbourne on 6 June will commence at 10:05 am.

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