SportsFlash started life in the 2000s as an Australian sports news site, with tabs for cricket, football, union, cycling, tennis, golf and F1. The way Australians follow sport has changed completely since then. Scores arrive on your phone in seconds, but working out where to watch has become harder, with rights split between free-to-air networks and several streaming services, and deals changing every few years.
This guide cuts through it. For each major competition we explain what is free, what needs a subscription and how to watch on the devices you already have.
The big picture
Australian sport is shown in three main ways:
Free-to-air TV and apps. Seven, Nine and 10 (plus the ABC and SBS) broadcast on free TV, and stream the same coverage on their free apps: 7plus, 9Now and 10 Play. You need only an antenna or an internet connection.
Subscription streaming. Kayo Sports, Stan Sport and Paramount+ stream sport for a monthly fee, with no contract on most plans.
Pay TV. Foxtel carries the Fox Sports channels, including Fox Footy, Fox League and Fox Cricket, through a set-top box or the Foxtel app.
Each competition has its own mix. Here is the short version as at October 2026.
| Competition | Free-to-air | Every match |
|---|---|---|
| AFL | Seven, 7mate, 7plus | Kayo Sports, Foxtel |
| NRL | Nine, 9Now | Kayo Sports, Foxtel |
| Cricket (home summer) | Seven, 7plus | Kayo Sports, Foxtel |
| A-Leagues | 10, 10 Play | Paramount+ |
| Formula 1 | 10, 10 Play (Australian GP) | Kayo Sports, Foxtel |
| Australian Open | Nine, 9Now | Stan Sport |
| Rugby union | Nine, 9Now (selected) | Stan Sport |
| Super Netball | Kayo Freebies (selected, 2026); Nine from 2027 | Kayo/Foxtel (2026); Stan Sport from 2027 |
Our how to watch hub covers each competition in depth, and the interactive planner below shows which services you need for the sports you follow.
Free-to-air sport
You may need less than you think. Many of the biggest events in Australian sport are free, including the AFL and NRL Grand Finals, State of Origin, home Test cricket and the Australian Open. Part of the reason is the government's anti-siphoning scheme, which gives free-to-air broadcasters the first chance to buy the rights to listed events of national importance. Since reforms commenced in December 2024, the scheme also covers online streaming services. Read our free-to-air guide.
Saving money on subscriptions
- Pick the season, not the year. Most streaming services let you cancel monthly. Subscribe for the months your sport is on.
- Check what is free first. If you only watch your team's big games, free-to-air may cover them.
- Use free trials carefully. Note the end date so you are not charged for a service you will not use.
- Check your existing plans. Some telco and internet plans include or discount streaming services.
Following the season
Australia's sporting year runs in overlapping waves: cricket and tennis in summer, the football codes from autumn to spring, netball in winter, and the A-Leagues from spring to autumn. Our sports calendar shows when each competition runs.
Radio and audio
Live radio is still one of the best ways to follow sport in the car or at work. ABC Sport carries live coverage of major competitions including AFL, NRL and cricket on ABC radio and the ABC listen app, and commercial stations cover the football codes in their home markets.
Going to the game
Nothing beats being there. Each guide links to the official ticketing pages for the competition. Buy tickets only from the official seller or authorised resale platforms, and be wary of social media sellers.
About SportsFlash
We are independent and not affiliated with any league, club, broadcaster or streaming service. We do not publish betting content. Read more about us and our editorial policy.
