Nine Network, the Australian commercial broadcaster, has secured a seven-year rights deal with the Australian Athletics governing body to air domestic events through 2033.
The deal spans a period covering the Los Angeles (LA) 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with Nine to air licensed domestic events, including the Maurie Plant Meet and national championships across its free-to-air linear channel and 9Now digital platform.
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Beyond live event coverage, the agreement includes digital storytelling, preview shows, and feature-length documentary productions planned for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic years.
Australian Athletics chief executive Simon Hollingsworth said: “This is a landmark day for athletics in Australia.
“With the Brisbane Olympics and Paralympics 2032 on the horizon, we wanted a partner that shared our ambition for the sport and was prepared to invest in building athletics over the long term.
“Nine is not simply broadcasting our events; they are backing our athletes, telling their stories and helping us build a bigger audience for athletics across Australia.”
Nine Network holds exclusive rights to the LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games in Australia as part of a five-event deal struck with the International Olympic Committee in 2023 covering the summer Games in 2024 (Paris), 2028, and 2032 and winter Games in 2026 (Milano-Cortina) and 2030 (French Alps).
As part of its broadcast strategy, Nine Network utilizes its vast array of linear channels, streaming platforms, talk radio stations, and online publishing platforms to distribute coverage of the events.
Nine’s director of sport, Brent Williams, added: “Australian Athletics is entering a golden era, and we are thrilled to be on board such an epic ride through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
“Australia already boasts some of the most exciting athletes on the planet, with a great promise of more to come.
“We look forward to the journey, telling their stories and sharing their magical moments with all of Australia across the screens of Nine.”
The deal is the latest in a long line of sports rights agreements secured by Nine Network this year as the broadcaster looks to consolidate its position as Australia’s top live sports provider.
This year has seen the broadcaster extend its rights for English soccer’s top-tier Premier League through the 2033-34 season, renew its deal for Australia’s top-tier National Rugby League through 2034, retain rights to the Wimbledon Championships tennis Grand Slam through 2029, and secure a landmark new deal with Netball Australia covering a swathe of competitions, including the 2027 Netball World Cup.
