18 August 2015 – Telstra today announced it signed a six year mobile and digital rights agreement with the Australian Football League (AFL) to provide exclusive live streaming of all AFL matches to mobile devices from 2017 via the Official AFL Live App.

Joe Pollard, Group Managing Director Telstra Media and Marketing said the agreement would give Telstra customers exclusive access to live streaming of all AFL matches and events, including the entire finals series and Grand Final, as well as the Brownlow Medal ceremony.

“The AFL is Australia’s most watched football code and Telstra has a long and proud association with the sport,” Ms Pollard said. “Together we have built Australia’s leading digital sports network to give Australians a world class entertainment experience.

“Only Telstra can bring sport and technology together in a way where our customers can enjoy exclusive AFL content and do it on the go using Australia’s largest mobile network.

“Our customers will be able to enjoy live matches on the go including exclusive content, the best insight, enhanced statistics and all the behind-the-scenes action from Western Australia to Western Sydney.”

Telstra will also offer extended highlights and replays via online and IPTV platforms including the TBox and Telstra TV device that will be on sale next month.

Over the last four years, Telstra has enjoyed a close and successful partnership with the AFL as their Official Technology Partner. Together they have created the Official AFL Live App, which has grown to become Australia’s leading digital sports property.

The AFL network is Australia’s leading online sports network with 84 million video streams so far in 2015, up 22% on 2014. The Official AFL Live App on mobile and tablet is Australia’s leading sports app with 3.1 million downloads and the 18 club websites and mobile apps collectively reach more than 4 million unique users a week.

Telstra is the current holder of the AFL digital rights and the current agreement runs to 2017. In addition to holding digital rights for the sport, Telstra is also a proud sponsor of the AFL and collaborates with AFL Community Grants to support AFL junior clubs.

“Our vision is to be a world class technology company that empowers people to connect. Our relationship with the AFL, and the brilliant experiences we are able to give footy fans, bring that vision to life for all Australians,” Ms Pollard added.

Gillon McLachlan, Chief Executive Officer AFL, said, “The AFL is thrilled to continue its long and successful partnership with Telstra as a rights holder and sponsor of the game, as well as launching new initiatives on data insights. We will continue to bring world class digital experiences to our supporters and members wherever they are consuming AFL content.”