AFL games all likely to be televised free
AFL fans could be in for an unprecedented feast of free television coverage from next year, with Channels Seven and Ten now almost certain to show every game, according to league chief Andrew Demetriou.
Just days before Foxtel is scheduled to shut down its Fox Footy channel this weekend, the pay TV provider has shown no signs of making a new offer for a three or four-game package.
"We are preparing the fixture (for next year) on the basis all eight games will be shown on free-to-air television," said Demetriou. "I fully believe that will be the outcome. I've believed that for weeks now and I don't see any indication that an agreement will go ahead with Foxtel. We have no issue with that."
The prospect of Seven and Ten sharing the entire $700 million cash component of the new five-year deal had been regarded as unworkable in terms of scheduling, given that the two networks would be forced to televise Saturday night games against each other.
"It's not ideal," conceded Ten sports chief David White, a key negotiator for the 2007-11 rights. "But if that's the reality, we are prepared for it and we believe it will grow the football audience as a result.
"It's highly likely now that we won't be doing a deal with Foxtel. I think the football public will be delighted they won't be paying up to $100 a month to watch their footy on TV."
The stalemate over next year's break-up of games is understood to have placed some pressure on the AFL as it prepares its 2007 draw, although Demetriou said the fixture would be completed on schedule in mid-October whether or not a final deal had been done.
The AFL chief is also believed to have conveyed to Seven and Ten yesterday that he would be delighted if they televised all games.
Of the query over how Channel Seven would cope with televising live games into the tough NSW and Queensland markets each Friday night against rugby league, Demetriou said he believed the network had several options.
While Seven has still not ruled out onpassing those games to SBS or selling them to a pay channel such as Sky or ESPN, the station has also spoken to community station Channel 31, which has indicated enthusiasm at the prospect of televising Friday night AFL games into Sydney and Brisbane.
Seven's regional affiliate Prime would televise those games into the smaller northern markets.
There also is uncertainty in the Seven camp over its new line-up of football broadcasters. While Bruce McAvaney seems certain to call and perhaps host Friday night football, few other calling positions have been confirmed.
Foxtel has not spoken to the new consortium officially since it marginally revised its annual $17 million offer for three of the eight weekly games to $21 million.
That was rejected by Seven and Ten, which would demand more than double that figure.
