WBBL and AFLW seasons post record streaming numbers

December 3, 2024 11:44

The AFLW and WBBL have posted record numbers for their respective 2024 seasons.

This AFLW season was the highest streamed of all time across Kayo Sports, Foxtel Go, Foxtel Now and BINGE – up 61% year-on-year – while linear audiences on Foxtel grew 12% year-on-year.

This past weekend’s grand final – which saw the North Melbourne Kangaroos topple the Brisbane Lions after an undefeated season – also created history as the best performing AFLW grand final, up 31% year-on-year.

“How fantastic is it to see this sort of growth for women’s sport? I’m thrilled our coverage, and the competition, has been received really well by fans. It shows that our partnership with the AFL, and our commitment to grow women’s sport is working,” Fox Footy general manager, Michael Neill, said.

“Congratulations to the AFLW, and the North Melbourne Kangaroos, on what was an incredible season.

Neill continued: “The AFLW and AFL on Fox Footy this year broke records across the board. As we head into 2025, we’re excited to elevate our coverage with more commentators and more ways to bring audiences closer to the action.”

Meanwhile, the 2024 season of the WBBL is the most watched ever across Foxtel, Kayo Sports, Foxtel Now, Foxtel Go and BINGE, up 41% year-on-year, which Foxtel Group says has been “driven by record streaming audiences” – a fourth consecutive year of growth.

The final between the Melbourne Renegades and Brisbane Heat is now in Foxtel Group’s top five of the most watched WBBL matches of all time.

“Congratulations to Cricket Australia on a successful decade of WBBL. We’ve are thrilled to have been part of this growth story. It’s great to have such a quality competition as part of our ‘Summer of Cricket’ schedule,” Foxtel Group, executive director – commercial sport, Rebecca McCloy, said.

Executive general manager of Big Bash Leagues at Cricket Australia, Alistair Dobson, added: “The WBBL is the world’s best cricket league for women, delivering top quality cricket for our passionate fan base.

“This year’s record audiences exemplify our broadcast partners’ commitment to the women’s game, producing world class content in prime time, featuring the best players in the best venues.

“As we have grown our coverage of the WBBL, it is fantastic to see viewing and engagement grow too. We have and will continue to champion women’s sport, providing premium platforms to showcase the talent and competitions. The WBBL’s introduction on BINGE further extends its reach and we’re thrilled the Final, and this season, has been received so positively.”