The A-League new broadcast rights deal has the potential to be the biggest boost to the game since the competition was established.
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The $200 million package with Network 10 and streaming service Paramount offers financial security, but crucially also opportunities to grow the game online, while maintaining a free-to-air presence.
Fox Sports have done a wonderful job in backing and supporting football in Australia since the A-League was established, but now Ten's ViacomCBS can take it to another level, given it will be the only Australian sport the company has rights to.
This is all reflected in ViacomCBS taking a minor share in the Australian Professional Leagues, the body now in charge of the A-League and W-League, since the clubs took independence from Football Australia.
It's a relief for those fans who have passionately supported the game during some difficult times.
It offers real excitement about the future of the game, especially with the push for a national second division and the upcoming Women's World Cup in 2023.
The feature Saturday night game on free-to-air ensures the A-League can still appeal to the mainstream market, while also moving ahead with the streaming services, as we've seen with the English Premier League and Champions League on Optus Sport and other major leagues on Kayo.
It's a relief for those fans who have passionately supported the game during some difficult times
Hopefully the A-League bosses can continue to work with government authorities to develop boutique stadiums and further make football an attractive product.
For all the doom and gloom about the impact Covid has had, this A-League season has been entertaining and interesting.
We've had the rise of Central Coast, Melbourne City making good on their investment by winning their first Premier's Plate and of course Wellington Phoenix's huge sacrifice of staying in Wollongong to ensure the season goes ahead.
While City and Sydney FC look to be the two teams to battle it out for the championship, the Phoenix will be the danger if they can make the top six.
The Phoenix meet Macarthur in their final game on Friday, needing to win and results to fall their way to earn an unlikely finals spot.
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