Seven secures exclusive free-to-air rights to NFL season

Seven has secured the exclusive Australian free-to-air rights to the 2026 NFL season, adding another major global sporting property to its broadcast portfolio ahead of the league's first-ever regular season game on Australian soil.

The landmark agreement includes exclusive free-to-air coverage of the historic clash between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 September, with the match to be broadcast live on Seven and 7plus Sport.

The deal also gives Seven exclusive free-to-air rights to key weekly matches throughout the 2026 season, the playoffs and Super Bowl LXI, while expanding its dedicated NFL Tailgate program from one to two weekly editions.

Southern Cross Media Group managing director and CEO Rohan Lund said securing the rights reinforced Seven's sports strategy and reflected growing Australian interest in the NFL.

SEE MORE: NFL sets sight on Aussie fans

"Seven's dominance in sport is unmatched and securing the free-to-air exclusive rights to the NFL, headlined by the historic first regular season game at the MCG, is a landmark moment," Lund said.

"Australians possess an unrivalled passion for live sport, and our focus is on bringing the world's biggest sporting spectacles to local audiences completely free."

He added that Seven's combination of free-to-air television and 7plus Sport would ensure fans could watch across multiple platforms.

NFL general manager Australia and New Zealand Charlotte Offord said the agreement supports the league's international growth ambitions.

"Growing fandom in Australia and globally is at the core of the NFL's international strategy, and being able to work together with great media partners like the Seven Network to reach the widest audiences is critical," Offord said.

"The 2026 season will see Australian fans able to access comprehensive broadcast coverage live and free on Seven and 7plus Sport, including key tent pole moments like the NFL Melbourne Game and Super Bowl LXI."

Southern Cross Media Group director of sport, TV, audio and streaming Chris Jones said the acquisition strengthened Seven's sporting lineup at a time when interest in the NFL continues to rise locally.

"Securing the NFL rights is a huge win for Seven and couldn't come at a better time," Jones said.

"Fan interest has never been stronger, and audiences are embracing the league in record numbers. This acquisition delivers a powerful back end to the year of sport, adding another premium global property to an already outstanding sporting calendar."

Seven's coverage of the Melbourne game will begin with a special edition of Sunrise broadcasting live from Melbourne before kickoff.