‘Real disconnect’ between A-Leagues and Australian media owners
Comments made this week about the state of the A-Leagues football competitions has highlighted a “real disconnect” between the game and media owners, as well as brands.
On a new episode of the Mumbrellacast, hosts Neil Griffiths and Adam Lang discussed a recent interview with Clive Dickens, Optus Sport’s vice president of TV, content, and product development, who said that both the men and women’s competitions need support at every level to survive.
“It’s no question that national football in Australia gets plenty of support – Socceroos games, Matildas games – attendances are through the roof,” Griffiths said, noting that even friendly games played in the country between international giants can pack out venues like Melbourne Cricket Ground.
“The A League probably isn’t where it should be since its debut 20 years ago.”
Broadcasters in Australia literally have a vested interest in killing the professional game in this country. Just look at the history of football coverage in this country, only SBS, Optus and beIN SPORTS really give it the dues and support it needs. Everyone else literally sh*ts on it.
As Johnny Warren book titled alluded to, its always been thought of as “Sheilas, wogs and p**fters”.
Nothings changed, especially from those in decision making roles at broadcasters.
Stream it all on YouTube, the Aussie commercial media outlets are a dead duck.
The biggest difference between the comments about the Big Bash, is that the Big Bash is in the top 3 T20 Leagues around the world, quality content. Unfortunately the A-League would not rank in the top 50.
For sports to survive in our relatively small country, a significant media right fee (AFL,NRL,Cricket) or private ownership (NBL) are the only real option. Rugby, Netball and other sports may have a strong participation base, however they do not attract enough eye balls.