Latest broadcast deal to boost Tassie’s bid according to AFL boss

The AFL’s mega-deal in broadcast rights has firmed Tasmania’s bid for an 19th licence. HERE’S WHY >>>

THE AFL’s landmark $4.5 billion broadcast rights deal has boosted Tasmania’s bid for a 19th licence but there was no guarantee it would get over the line, said AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.

McLachlan said the broadcast deal from 2025 to 2031 “contemplates” Tasmania getting a team of its own with the league having more money to distribute to clubs from 2025.

The state’s ambition will be decided by the 18 club presidents.

The league is working to get the presidents together over the next few weeks to hear the state’s case, before taking the proposal back to their respective clubs for further examination.

Most of the clubs support Tasmania’s ambition to join the AFL, which would make it a truly national competition.

AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan speak to the media during an AFL media opportunity. Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

The mega deal announced on Tuesday boosted the league’s financial firepower, which should alleviate concerns about a 19th team diluting the pool of funds to be distributed to the existing clubs each season.

However, Tasmania’s submission ran late as its team worked on the modelling for a potential team and the 11 work streams that were a sticking point late in the process.

They are based on the list build, team finances, memberships, governance, player retention, high-performance, coaching, talent pathways and the local competition.

The deadline to have it to the presidents and their answer back by the end of August passed last week as McLachlan put the finishing touches on the AFL broadcast deal.

But Tasmania remains in contention for a team.

“On Tasmania, we’re optimistic of reaching some agreement with the Tasmanian Government,” McLachlan said.

“We will then go to our presidents and their boards and clubs in the coming weeks and there’ll be a process that plays out there.”

The stadium deal _ the AFL has said no stadium, no team _ is a clear worry for the Tasmanian AFL Task Force and state government

McLachlan said the $4.5b windfall would be for everyone.

“This partnership will provide unprecedented levels of financial support to invest more in ensuring every person who wants to play footy will be able to play footy,” he said.