How to Watch AFL in Australia 2026
The AFL is one of the most-watched sports in Australia, and in 2026 there are two main ways to stream it: Kayo Sports for full coverage or 7plus for a limited free option. Here is everything you need to know.
2026 AFL Season Calendar
Plan your subscription around these key dates to avoid paying during the off-season.
| Event | Dates | Where to Watch | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFL Premiership Season | Mar – Aug 2026 | Kayo / 7plus | FULL |
| Finals Series | Aug – Sep 2026 | Kayo / 7plus | FULL |
| AFL Grand Final | Late Sep 2026 | Kayo / 7plus | FULL |
| AFLW Season | Aug – Nov 2026 | Kayo / 7plus | FULL |
Streaming Options Compared
Kayo Sports
Every AFL match live and on-demand, plus 50+ other sports
Pros
- +Full coverage — every game, every round
- +All finals + Grand Final live
- +Includes NRL, Cricket, F1, NBA, and more
- +7-day free trial
- +SplitView, Interactive Stats, Key Moments
Cons
- -Not free — $29.99/mo or $45.99/mo for 4K
- -NRL Grand Final and State of Origin are delayed
7plus
Free-to-air simulcast — approximately 3 AFL games per round
Pros
- +Completely free
- +No account required
- +Includes some marquee matches
Cons
- -Only ~3 games per round (not all matches)
- -No on-demand replays for all games
- -Ad-supported
Cost Breakdown & Savings
Smart subscribers save money by aligning their Kayo subscription with the AFL season instead of paying year-round.
| Strategy | Monthly Cost | Months | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year-round Kayo Standard | $29.99 | 12 | $359.88 |
| Seasonal only (Mar–Sep) | $29.99 | 7 | $209.93 |
| Free only (7plus) | $0 | 12 | $0 |
If AFL is your only sport, the seasonal approach is a no-brainer. But if you also follow cricket (Dec–Feb) or F1 (Mar–Dec), you may want Kayo for more of the year — in which case use StreamWise to find the optimal subscription windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to find the cheapest way to watch all your sports? StreamWise calculates the optimal subscription plan for you.
Calculate My Savings