Paramount opens talks over fresh A-Leagues deal as Foxtel weighs a move
Paramount is set to actively pursue a fresh deal for rights to the A-Leagues as it enters the final months of its current agreement. It could face competition from Foxtel.
Paramount has kicked off discussions over a new deal for the streaming and broadcast rights to the A-Leagues, as the US streamer enters the final months of a $200 million agreement reached ahead of its 2021 launch in Australia.
Paramount is set to actively pursue a fresh rights agreement, according to people briefed on the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity because the discussions are ongoing. The current arrangement is up for expiry at the end of the 2025-26 season, which will finish in May next year.
The deal, struck with the Australian Professional Leagues (APL) for a reported $200 million over five years, was a key part of Paramount’s 2021 launch offering in the Australian market. The streamer has since secured select international rights and now bills itself as the home of Australian football.
Paramount’s arrangement with the APL handed the US media and entertainment giant rights to the A-League men’s and women’s domestic football tournaments for broadcast on its free-to-air channel, Network 10, and for streaming on Paramount+.
