Seven Network Extends NFL Rights in Australia with Expanded Coverage
Seven Network, the Australian commercial broadcaster, has retained and expanded its free-to-air rights in the country for American football’s elite NFL.
Through the 2025 campaign,which begins in September and runs through February 2026,Seven will carry its previous rights – two Sunday afternoon games per week (broadcast Monday in Australia) – while also adding rights to the weekly Thursday Night Football slate of games (broadcast Friday in Australia),adding as many as 17 games per year to its commitment through that slot alone.
Seven has also added the rights to the season-opening fixture between the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys,to be held – Australian time – on Friday,September 5.
The Eagles roster includes offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, who last season became only the second Australian to win the Super Bowl.
Through the post-season, meanwhile, Seven will showcase every play-off game, and the season-ending Super Bowl showpiece, meaning the broadcaster will show over 60 fixtures per season.
Seven will continue to broadcast the NFL on its main Channel 7 linear offering, 7mate digital free-to-air channel, and 7plus streaming service.
Furthermore, ancillary content and shoulder programming around the games, including doc
Seven Network Extends NFL partnership, Set to Broadcast Games on 7plus and Host International Fixtures in Melbourne
The Seven Network has announced an expanded partnership with the national Football League (NFL), continuing its coverage of the sport in Australia and solidifying its commitment to growing the NFL fanbase within the country. The deal includes live streaming of NFL games on 7plus, alongside continued free-to-air coverage, and expanded ancillary content.The partnership will see a meaningful increase in NFL content available to Australian viewers. this includes not only live game broadcasts but also documentary shows, highlights packages, delayed game broadcasts, and complete coverage of the annual NFL Draft pre-season event. Seven will leverage its 7plus streaming service to deliver this expanded offering.”Providing free-to-air NFL content remains a top priority, with a fan base of 7.5 million and growing across the country,” stated Charlotte Offord, NFL General Manager for Australia and New Zealand. This statement underscores the NFL’s commitment to accessibility for its Australian audience.
Seven reports strong growth in viewership numbers. Coverage of the 2025 Super Bowl reached a national TV audience of 892,000, an 11% increase compared to the previous season. The total reach of NFL coverage across the 2024 season extended to 4.7 million viewers, representing a 6% increase.
this growing popularity is further evidenced by the NFL’s decision to host regular season games in Melbourne, Australia, beginning in 2026. Confirmed in February,Melbourne’s iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG),with a capacity of 100,024,will host annual NFL fixtures under a multi-year agreement. the Los Angeles Rams,holding marketing rights for Australia through the NFL’s Global Markets Program,will be the designated home team for the inaugural 2026 game. The agreement is a result of a partnership between the NFL, the goverment of the australian state of Victoria, and the MCG.