VFL Reveal 2026 Broadcast Deal Featuring ABC Return and Tassie Devils Debut

The AFL has announced a broadcast agreement for the 2026 Smithy’s VFL season, significantly expanding the competition’s national footprint.

In a multi-platform deal, matches will be shared across Kayo SPORTS, ABC, the Seven Network, and SEN, ensuring at least 53 matches are broadcast during the home-and-away season and finals.

The agreement marks a “back to the future” moment for state-league football, with the ABC returning as a VFL broadcast partner for the first time since 2014.

Meanwhile, the Seven Network and SEN will provide dedicated coverage for the Tasmania Football Club (Devils) as they embark on their highly anticipated inaugural VFL season.

Stating how the deal is a “wonderful result” that bolsters exposure across the country, AFL executive general manager, Matthew Chun, said: “The return of the ABC marks an exciting new chapter in a relationship that previously spanned 27 years.”

Supporting the Talent Pathway

Foxtel Group executive director of commercial – sport, Adam Howarth, emphasised that the investment supports the “talent and pathways that underpin Aussie Rules,” while ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, celebrated the return of live sport to the national broadcaster.

For the Tasmania Devils, the broadcast deal ensures their journey toward the AFL is documented from day one. Seven’s Gary O’Keeffe noted that Tasmanians have waited a long time to see the Devils take the field, and the network is committed to making every home game available to a national audience.

A Multi-Channel Viewing Experience

The new structure provides fans with several ways to follow the action:

• Kayo SPORTS: Will broadcast 16 matches in the first 13 rounds, many serving as AFL curtain-raisers. Kayo will also provide full coverage of the VFL Finals Series.
• ABC: Returning to its roots, the ABC will air one match every Saturday at 12:05 pm (on ABC TV in Victoria and ABC iview nationally), along with key finals and the Grand Final.
• Seven Network: In a boost for the 19th AFL license holder, Seven Tasmania and 7plus Sport will broadcast all ten Tasmania Devils home matches nationally.
• SEN: Providing a radio home for the Devils, SEN Tasmania will broadcast every home-and-away match across its Hobart and Launceston frequencies.

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