AFL extends Foxtel and Telstra broadcast deal by two years

"The uncertainty around COVID we believe will be around next year so this deal is a show of faith from our broadcast partners.

"What it will enable us to do is work with our clubs – those in trouble and our stronger ones – with a four-year funding envelope which means I feel very confident we will rebuild the balance sheet of all of our clubs and the industry by the end of this agreement."

In June the AFL renegotiated its deal with the Seven Network at a discount of 19 per cent, which also extended that agreement to the end of 2024.

Industry sources said Foxtel, which is owned by News Corp and Telstra, saved $30 million on its existing deal (to 2022) back in June.

But McLachlan said this new deal had secured the AFL an increase on the price of the rights when compared to the number agreed upon after pandemic renegotiations.

"This extension with Foxtel and Telstra, along with the extension we signed with the Seven Network earlier this year, ensures that we are able to not only rebuild our game but take it to more and more people," McLachlan said.

The deal means Foxtel will show all AFL and AFLW games live for 2023 and 2024, including on Kayo.

Telstra retains replay, highlight and on-demand rights for games and becomes Marvel Stadium’s official technology partner.

"Artificial intelligence, and mixed reality and edge computing. From booking a seat to parking to engaging with the game, attendees will soon be able to experience a new stadium experience before, during, and after they attend the game," an AFL statement read.

Seven will retain exclusive rights for the grand final, which was played at night for the first time in 2020.

"We are going through a thorough review of the Gabba night grand final," McLachlan said.

"We are talking and liaising with our research department and speaking with our clubs and footy departments and players and everyone involved.

"We are aiming for that report to be finalised in March, which means the decision [on the timeslot of the 2021 grand final] will probably be made in April."

McLachlan said he traditionally was in favour of a of a day grand final but was "open" to a permanent nighttime switch.

"It was an incredible experience at the Gabba for those of us who were fortunate enough to be there, and so I think my decision will be better informed and my view of the commission’s decision will be better informed by a proper engagement process that we are going through with all industry figures and supporters," he said.

"I’m looking forward to seeing where that goes."