Along with record attendances, it was a big year for the AFL on television with estimated audiences reaching 141 million up to and including the AFL Grand Final.
This doesn’t include the ongoing AFLW season. This is up from the 125m estimated in 2022.
This is broken down into segments
- FTA 62.508m
- Foxfooty/Fox505 36.179m
- FoxBVOD est 44.201m
- Total 142.88m
At the start of the year we were estimated FoxBOVD (kayo/foxgo/foxnow) off reported ratings in round 1. From Round 23, Oztam began releasing Foxtel data via its live VPM reports. Since this started being reported we have seen the average stream worth almost a 1.26:1 ratio with STB. The Year has been adjusted to the more up to date data.
As always note that this data is Australian only unless specified. We simply cannot get the data we would like and many would seem happy for us to fabricate.
Metro FTA Audience
- Sydney average 22,000 (-21% Year on Year)
- Melbourne average 219,000 (-1.35%)
- Brisbane average 30,000 (+11%)
- Adelaide average 77,000 (no movement)
- Perth average 56,000 (-23%)
- Sydney/Brisbane combined average 39,000
Swans games in Sydney averaged 41,000 in 2023 (-19%), while GWS managed 19,000 per game (-20%). Games involving neither side averaged 15,000.
In Melbourne, the two games that didnt involve Melbourne sides rated an average of 154,000. Games involving Melbourne sides averaged 225,000.
In Brisbane, the Lions averaged 48,000 in 2023 – +17% YoY – (including a season high of 80,000), while the Suns managed 22,000 per game (no movement). Games involving neither side rated 26,000, (To be fair the Suns are Gold Coast based, but did struggle at the lower end of the ratings).
In Adelaide, the Crows averaged 94,000 a game (+10%), while the Power averaged 87,000 (-4%). The Showdowns rated 150,000 and 143,000, although the Crows/Blues round 5 magic round opener splt the two at 148,000. Games involving neither Adelaide side rated an average 68,000.
In Perth, West Coast matches averaged 74,000 – down 22% – while Fremantle games fared worse – down 28% YoY and averaged 69,000. The Western Derby rated 155,000 and 154,000. Games involving neither Perth side averaged 45,000.
Foxtel
Collingwood lead the way for the Clubs on Foxtel averaging 222,000 on set top boxes in 2023
- Carlton 194,000
- Geelong 189,000
- Richmond 185,000
Foxtel BVOD (Kayo/Go/NOW) over the last 6 weeks of the season gives a ratio of 1.26 for every set top box. This was surprising as we had previously been working of much lower reported data.
Finals
This years AFL FInals series rated 17.352m – up 16% on 2022 , including Grand Final ratings of 3.855m (up 25% on 2022), while both Prelims had audiences over 2 million each.
The Grand Final audience on Seven was also shown on 7plus for the first time under the new deal.
Seven’s AFL Grand Final
According to Seven, The Grand Final showdown between Collingwood and the Brisbane Lions is the most watched TV program in 2023 outside of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023™, scoring an average total television audience of 3.75 million viewers, including 3.3 million viewers nationally and 2.47 million in the capital cities. An additional 441,000 viewers watched live on 7plus – the biggest ever audience for an AFL match on a streaming platform.
The Grand FInal dominated its timeslot in the capital cities with a 92.2% share of viewers during the game, a 94.8% share of 25 to 54s and a 96.7% share in 16 to 39s.
In Melbourne, the Grand Final recorded a 97.4% share of viewers during the game, with Sydney recording a 79.5% share of viewers in its timeslot, and Brisbane a 87.9% share.
- AFL Grand Final: 3.75 million total viewers nationally. Reached 4.98 million on broadcast, 756,000 on 7plus.
- AFL Grand Final: Presentations: 3.66 million total viewers nationally. Reached 4.87 million on broadcast.
- AFL Grand Final: On The Ground: 2.74 million total viewers nationally.
- AFL Grand Final: Pre-Match entertainment: 1.2 million total viewers nationally.
- AFL Grand Final: Post Match: 323,000 total viewers nationally.
According to VOZ
- Metro: 2.464m
- Regional: 989,000
- BVOD: 414,000
- Total: 3.855m total
what on earth does reach of 141m even mean? what the hell methodology has been employed?