A-League takes shot at TV windfall

The Australian is reporting that Football Federation Australia has kicked off negotiations on the richest television deal in its 11-year history by targeting a doubling in the price of its media rights with more free-to-air coverage.

Administrators are said to be confident of achieving a big rise in the value, potentially up to $80m annually — a massive 100 per cent rise in the value of the rights.

Asked about the prospect of a price rise in line with recent gains secured by the AFL and NRL, Gallop said: “We’re confident about our sport and very hopeful the broadcasters will recognise that an investment in Australian football will help us grow the game.”