2026 TV and Streaming Ratings thread

[Wb1234]

 

[Canard]

So the current situation is pay tv ratings aren’t mentioned which heavily favour league

And fta afl gets to lump multiple games together against a single nrl game and they still manage to lose

Isn't the combination of the AFL numbers greater than the NRL one there?

Be good to see a similar deal for Perth and Melbourne in our next FTA agreement.

So people can watch their local team, and not be forced to watch Tigers v Dragons for example.

 

[marlins2.0]

Be interested in seeing what the international markets look like for both comps as far as viewing figures is concerned.

NRL obviously with NZ and indeed the deals it has scattered about the place.

AFL is also on the tele here in NZ, and then of course their crown jewel in terms of international markets in India.

 

[i0Nic]

Be interested in seeing what the international markets look like for both comps as far as viewing figures is concerned.

NRL obviously with NZ and indeed the deals it has scattered about the place.

AFL is also on the tele here in NZ, and then of course their crown jewel in terms of international markets in India.

Afl ratings are massive in Mumbai

 

[Billythekid]

Pretty incredible. Ratings are already up massively. If we can be up anything like that again that’s pretty much a perfect storm for our next tv deal.

Isn't the combination of the AFL numbers greater than the NRL one there?

Be good to see a similar deal for Perth and Melbourne in our next FTA agreement.

So people can watch their local team, and not be forced to watch Tigers v Dragons for example.

I’m not sure I understand how this really benefits those markets. It doesn’t increase the number of games incoming Perth or Melbourne. As long as those games are shown in their local markets I don’t see any benefit to those games also being up against other NRL games. It also limits the exposure those teams get in other markets.

We’re in a different position to the AFL because our games our shorter. When we’re both at 10 games a week that’s at least an extra 10 hours of sport they’ve got to try and slot in each week, hence so much more overlap.

 

[Canard]

I’m not sure I understand how this really benefits those markets. It doesn’t increase the number of games incoming Perth or Melbourne. As long as those games are shown in their local markets I don’t see any benefit to those games also being up against other NRL games. It also limits the exposure those teams get in other markets.

We’re in a different position to the AFL because our games our shorter. When we’re both at 10 games a week that’s at least an extra 10 hours of sport they’ve got to try and slot in each week, hence so much more overlap.

Sorry—just to clarify, I’m not talking about overlap. I mean additional FTA games in those markets.


What I’m saying is the game would benefit hugely if, whenever teams from those regions are playing, their matches are shown on free-to-air in their local markets.


We can’t broadcast a Sydney-only game on FTA and then complain that ratings are low in places like Perth.

 

[Wb1234]

Pretty incredible. Ratings are already up massively. If we can be up anything like that again that’s pretty much a perfect storm for our next tv deal.

I’m not sure I understand how this really benefits those markets. It doesn’t increase the number of games incoming Perth or Melbourne. As long as those games are shown in their local markets I don’t see any benefit to those games also being up against other NRL games. It also limits the exposure those teams get in other markets.

We’re in a different position to the AFL because our games our shorter. When we’re both at 10 games a week that’s at least an extra 10 hours of sport they’ve got to try and slot in each week, hence so much more overlap.

With the standard of footy I doubt it lol

Think it’s the push we get from Vegas with a lot of neutrals who fade off during the season

Growing at five to eight percent without new teams is more realistic imo

 

[Iamback]

Sorry—just to clarify, I’m not talking about overlap. I mean additional FTA games in those markets.


What I’m saying is the game would benefit hugely if, whenever teams from those regions are playing, their matches are shown on free-to-air in their local markets.


We can’t broadcast a Sydney-only game on FTA and then complain that ratings are low in places like Perth.

The FTA slots don't work locally for Perth, A 9:30 pm kick off East coast time doesn't work either.

Surely the old days of FTA with 2 Fri night games is on the cards

 

[Canard]

The FTA slots don't work locally for Perth, A 9:30 pm kick off East coast time doesn't work either.

Surely the old days of FTA with 2 Fri night games is on the cards

You may very well be right, but I assume Western Aussies are accustomed to late sports telecasts from the East Coast, given AFL etc.

 

[Iamback]

You may very well be right, but I assume Western Aussies are accustomed to late sports telecasts from the East Coast, given AFL etc.

Yes but they will the opposite though.

7.50pm kick off East coast time.
5.50pm kick off over there. Viewers will catch the replay you would think

 

[Billythekid]

With the standard of footy I doubt it lol

Think it’s the push we get from Vegas with a lot of neutrals who fade off during the season

Growing at five to eight percent without new teams is more realistic imo

I’m not sure I buy all these complaints about the quality of the footy. The hospital where I work is all league fans and I haven’t heard this complaint once. There’s quite a buzz about this season and interest in league has just been growing. Until I see it reflected on ratings I’m not convinced the average fan considers the games this year to be low quality.

Any growth would be incredible. Maybe I’m overly cautious but considering the monstrous growth in crowds and ratings even if we stay flat that would still be good.

 

[Barney Stubble]

I have a serious question for you; is AFL dying?!

their CEO is off to jail isn't he ?

 

[storm1999]

Surely the old days of FTA with 2 Fri night games is on the cards

Channel 9 don't want to broadcast the 6pm AEST game as it interferes with their 6pm news.

 

[Colk]

I’m not sure I buy all these complaints about the quality of the footy. The hospital where I work is all league fans and I haven’t heard this complaint once. There’s quite a buzz about this season and interest in league has just been growing. Until I see it reflected on ratings I’m not convinced the average fan considers the games this year to be low quality.

Any growth would be incredible. Maybe I’m overly cautious but considering the monstrous growth in crowds and ratings even if we stay flat that would still be good.

You sure they are not just betting on the overs?

 

[Barney Stubble]

No. The TV deals are structured very differently which seems to be beyond the understanding of most here. The TV ratings for FTA are down slightly. Crowds are down a little but still way ahead of NRL.

but but but

 

[storm1999]

I’m not sure I understand how this really benefits those markets. It doesn’t increase the number of games incoming Perth or Melbourne. As long as those games are shown in their local markets I don’t see any benefit to those games also being up against other NRL games.

If the games on a Sunday were as follows:
2pm Storm v Warriors
4pm Bulldogs v Cowboys
6pm Knights v Bears

Nine air the 4pm game into NSW/QLD as usual. However it would be better to grow the game overall if VIC instead got the Storm game on FTA, and WA got the Bears game on FTA instead of the Bulldogs game.

 

[storm1999]

I assume Western Aussies are accustomed to late sports telecasts from the East Coast, given AFL etc

Friday Night Footy (AFL) usually starts at 7.40pm in Eastern States, so that's 5.40pm in Perth, or 4.40pm before Daylight Savings ends. The pubs are packed after work on a Friday with people watching sport.

 

[The_Wookie]

 

[newc18]

Thursday 20th March

NRL - 737,000
AFL - 727,000

Another win for the NRL.

 

[storm1999]

Another win for the NRL

Given the AFL covers a 3 hour block and NRL 2 hours, it's actually more likely the AFL won the competing timeslot. Seven's press release confirms this, but it was very close.

One thing that is clear, the 9NOW streaming ratings are way ahead of 7+.