FTA networks receive 2-year reprieve while anti-siphoning list remains untouched

The Australian Government has delayed the expiration of the anti-siphoning list for two years, ensuring free-to-air networks will continue to have first access to some sports rights, including the NRL and AFL, Melbourne Cup, and Olympics.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher’s decision to push back the expiration of the list, which details the events the government thinks should be free to watch, to April 2023 comes as a sporting rights battle ramps up between the free-to-air broadcasters and new streaming competitors: Amazon Prime, Optus Sport, Sports Flick, Stan Sport and Foxtel’s sports streaming brand Kayo.

Foxtel and Kayo air NRL and AFL matches, Stan Sport (owned by Nine) launched last month with the rugby union, and also has Wimbledon and Roland Garros rights, and Amazon Prime entered the affray with a swimming deal. Kayo has also recently unveiled a ‘Freebies’ product, which allows non-subscribers to watch certain sporting events for free.