With the 2021/22 NFL season nearing its end, the Seven Network has confirmed it has extended its partnership as the exclusive Australian free-to-air broadcaster of the NFL until at least 2024.

The three-year partnership extension sees the organisations continue a partnership which first began in 2013, with Seven to cover 50 live NFL games each season including weekly Sunday afternoon games, as well as all playoff and pro bowl games, and the Super Bowl.

As part of the deal, 7plus will also provide exclusive on-demand shows, replays, highlights and bonus content, including weekly live post-match analysis show, NFL Armchair Experts.

Seven Melbourne managing director and head of network sport, Lewis Martin, said the partnership extension highlights the growth of NFL coverage on the platform, after the 2021 NFL Super Bowl recorded a 5% rise in total audience from the 2020 edition.

“We’re thrilled that Seven will continue as the free-to-air home of the NFL, which is the biggest sport in the US and loved and followed by many Australians,” Martin said.

“Seven’s live and free comprehensive coverage takes viewers inside the action of the current and past seasons, along with exclusive digital content that brings the very best of this incredible sport to fans across Australia,” he said.

NFL director of international media, Faisal Alsabah, said: “As the NFL continues to grow in popularity in Australia, the NFL is thrilled to continue our existing partnership with Seven, extending our long-term relationship to nearly a decade.”

“NFL fans in Australia will continue to enjoy free access to some of the best NFL content, including the Super Bowl,” Alsabah said.