In a dramatic turn of events, the A-Leagues, Australia's top-tier professional soccer body, has secured a last-minute TV production deal to prevent a potential viewing blackout of the upcoming weekend's fixtures. This development comes after their previous production partner for live broadcasts, Global Advance, was placed into voluntary administration.
The A-Leagues had to finalize an eleventh-hour agreement with international broadcasting and media services group NEP. This deal covers the remainder of the 2024 season and was concluded just hours before Central Coast Mariners took on Western United in an A-League Women fixture.
Global Advance had entered into a contract with A-Leagues matches in 2021 for its first major sports broadcast production. However, it has now collapsed leaving significant sums unpaid to the A-Leagues. The cost of producing all men’s and women’s games is understood to be around AU$12 million ($7.8 million), which is currently borne by the A-Leagues.
Network Ten & Paramount+ to continue as A-Leagues destination
Network Ten and Paramount+ app are recognized as domestic broadcasters for these leagues. They have five-year deals covering both men’s and women's leagues running through 2025-26.
Australian Professional Leagues (APL) released statement:
“We have reached an agreement with NEP Australia to produce all A-League Men and A-League Women matches for the remainder of the regular season and the 2024 final series.
“We thank them for their cooperation, flexibility, and expertise at such short notice.”
“We are disappointed in the manner in which this has come to our attention and the risk this has placed on our fan, player, club, broadcast and commercial commitments. We have been let down, and will be working with the administrators to recoup money owing to APL.”
A-League have gone through major changes lately
Earlier this year in January, due to financial constraints, The-A Leagues were compelled to shut down their digital arm 'KeepUp'. In addition to this cost-cutting measure they also had no choice but lay off nearly half their total workforce.
This last-minute deal with NEP has saved the day for A-Leagues, ensuring that fans will not miss out on any of the action. Despite facing significant challenges, including the collapse of their previous production partner and financial constraints leading to layoffs, A-Leagues have demonstrated resilience in securing this crucial deal. The focus now shifts to delivering a successful remainder of the 2024 season.
