Channel 9 secures athletics rights, excluding Bruce McAvaney

Australian Athletics announced a seven-year broadcast partnership with Channel 9 on Sunday, transferring the sport’s primary television rights away from Channel 7 and leaving commentary figures out of the network’s future plans, news.com.au reported.

Channel 7 has served as the host broadcaster for athletics in Australia since 2021, showcasing events like the Commonwealth Games, Stawell Gift, and the Maurie Plant Meet. With Channel 9 holding the broadcast rights for the 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games, the network secured the athletics package to expand its coverage leading into the Brisbane 2032 Paralympics and Olympics.

Broadcast Changes Leave Commentators Behind

The agreement excludes commentator Bruce McAvaney and his broadcast partner Jason Richardson from future track coverage. Both commentators remain tied to Channel 7 contracts, making a switch to Channel 9 unlikely.

As shattering as it is for us personally at 7Sport – Bruce and I – hopefully it’s great for the sport we all love.

Jason Richardson

Richardson noted on social media that fellow commentators Tamsyn Manou and Dave Culbert are on Channel 9’s radar to continue covering the sport. McAvaney is expected to maintain his role in Channel 7’s horse racing coverage, though he has also lost access to the Melbourne Cup Carnival following Channel 9’s acquisition of those rights in 2024.

Australian Athletics Anticipates Expansion

Australian Athletics CEO Simon Hollingsworth defended the transition, stating that the agreement with Channel 9 creates expanded exposure for local competitors as the sport builds toward the home Olympic Games in Brisbane.

This is a landmark day for athletics in Australia. Our athletes are among the best in the world, and this partnership gives more Australians the opportunity to see them compete, get to know them and follow their journeys.

Simon Hollingsworth

The new arrangement also includes the national championships, which previously aired on SBS. Channel 9 will announce its complete athletics commentary team in the coming months ahead of the 2027 broadcast transition.