News

ABC is the front runner for free-to-air football rights

ABC is a front runner for the commercial free to air Football Federation Australia A-League and Socceroos matches, as the other four networks failed to bid.

Network Ten, Seven West Media, Nine Entertainment and FFA’s current rights holder SBS are thought to have not participated in the formal bidding process, while the ABC is said to be in current discussions with the federation, reports the Australian Financial Review.

Although four of the five major networks have ceased to bid for the rights, it is said there have been multiple bids, meaning Telstra could also be part of the bidding process for the streaming rights, according to an AFR source.

Discussions between the FFA and Seven, Ten and Nine have taken place, however, no deal was made and no official bids were made as the broadcaster’s did not receive adequate prices or terms.

The bidding for the football rights started earlier this year with the FFA already signing a $356 million broadcast deal with Fox Sports, but still looking to sign a free to air deal by May.

A spokesperson from SBS, told Mumbrella: “SBS doesn’t comment on contract negotiations.”

FFA, Seven and Nine have been approached for comment while Ten and ABC declined to comment.

Mumbrella’s Sports Marketing Summit is on July 21 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. One of the many sessions of the day is ‘How Fans Really Feel About The Amount of Sport on TV’ which will reveal results of an exclusive study from Clarity Strategic Research, , delving into the psyches of sports fans to find out their real thoughts on the amount of sport available to them. For more information on the program and to buy tickets, click here. 

ADVERTISEMENT

Get the latest media and marketing industry news (and views) direct to your inbox.

Sign up to the free Mumbrella newsletter now.

 

SUBSCRIBE

Sign up to our free daily update to get the latest in media and marketing.