World Footy News

A new US TV deal has been announced by the AFL (see announcement below). Fox Soccer Plus will now televise two live games per round, a highlights show and the finals after a deal could not be reached to continue with ESPN. The deal already appears unpopular with many regular viewers in the US who cannot access the subscription channel from their provider.  Streaming coverage will still be available on LiveSport.tv.   At this stage the fate is unkown of coverage on MHz Networks, which is available free in some areas. 

As always for more specific details on US and Canadian TV coverage please check out our friends at www.afana.com

"FOX Soccer Plus, America’s premium television network dedicated to delivering the world’s best soccer and international sports, is the new U.S. television home of the Australian Football League. With origins dating back to 1858, the AFL is Australia’s most-attended domestic sporting competition and the highest level of Australian Rules Football in the world.

This exclusive media rights agreement brings coverage of live matches to FOX Soccer Plus beginning March 24, lasting through the 2014 season. Additionally, the network is carrying the AFL’s showcase event, the Grand Final, in September live from the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

“The Australian Football League is one of the world’s unique sporting spectacles, and Australia’s most popular domestic competition,” said David Nathanson, General Manager of FOX Soccer.

“We are proud to bring fans across the United States access to this exciting game, with rivalries and traditions that match the passion of other elite leagues on our family of networks.”

AFL Chief Operating Officer, Gillon McLachlan echoes Nathanson’s sentiment regarding this landmark partnership, “The AFL is thrilled to announce a three-year partnership with FOX Soccer Plus in the United States that will see unprecedented live coverage of our game across the Premiership Season, Finals Series and Grand Final."

Combined with FOX Soccer Plus’ recent acquisition of Australia’s National Rugby League, the AFL agreement gives fans access to the most exciting sporting properties of the Southern Hemisphere. FOX Soccer Plus’ first AFL contest takes place on Saturday, March 24 when GWS Giants host Sydney Swans (4:00 a.m. ET). Coverage continues on Friday, March 30 as Hawthorn plays Collingwood (4:30 a.m. ET).

FOX Soccer Plus is carrying two AFL matches per week throughout the season, along with weekly hour-long highlight shows to recap each round of play."