Malaysian pay-TV broadcaster Astro has renewed its long-running media rights agreement with Asian soccer’s AFC governing body, and will continue to serve as the official media partner of the organization in the country.
This renewed agreement will run through the 2028-29 campaign, with Astro retaining the rights to the AFC’s portfolio of men’s and women’s club and national team competitions.
Coverage will be disseminated across Astro’s pay-TV linear channels (Astro Arena, Astro Football), the free-to-air Astro Njoi station, and the Astro Go and Sooka streaming services.
Once again, this will include the men’s top-tier AFC Champions League Elite, secondary AFC Champions League Two, tertiary AFC Challenge League, and the women’s top-tier AFC Women's Champions League.
On a national team basis, the deal will also cover the 2027 AFC Asian Cup national. Although Malaysia failed to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup, with 23.3% of the country ethnically Chinese, China’s participation may still draw viewership interest.
Other AFC national team fixtures spanning the men’s, women’s, and youth categories are also covered, including the women’s soccer qualification tournament for the LA28 Olympic Games.
The deal was brokered by Asia Football Group (AFG), the AFC’s exclusive commercial agency for the 2023-28 cycle.
Speaking on the announcement, Astro's head of sports, Nicholas John, said: “As viewing habits evolve, we remain focused on innovating the sports experience - making it more accessible, immersive, and engaging than ever. This partnership not only strengthens our premium sports offering but also reinforces Astro’s role as the home of sports in Malaysia.”
AFG chief executive Patrick Murphy added: “As the home of the AFC, Malaysia sits at the heart of Asian football, and this renewal keeps fans connected to AFC competitions through to 2028/29. Astro has been a long-term media partner of the AFC, and we are delighted to continue our partnership for more seasons to come.”
In the 2026-27 campaign, reigning (and record) Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim FC will once again be the country’s sole representative in the AFC Champions League Elite, while last year’s runners-up Kuching City will compete in the AFC Champions League Two.
Johor Darul Ta’zim made it to the quarter-finals of the 2025-26 Asian Champions League, before their elimination by eventual champions Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
In terms of the Women’s Champions League, Malaysian National Women’s League 2025 Champions Sabah FA will represent Malaysia in the competition.
