AFL Expansion: Three Options For A 20-Team League

AFL Expansion: Three Paths to a 20-Team League in 2026 --- The Big Question on Everyone’s Mind The AFL isn’t just Australia’s most popular sport—it’s a cultural juggernaut that shapes everything from television ratings to regional development. Right now, fans, analysts, and club officials are asking the same thing: can the league truly become a 20‑team competition by 2026? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It hinges on three distinct expansion pathways, each with its own set of opportunities and pitfalls.

Let’s break down what’s on the table, why it matters, and how the league could realistically pull it off. --- What Is AFL Expansion? At its core, AFL expansion means adding new clubs to the existing competition while keeping the season length and structure intact. The goal isn’t just to increase the number of games; it’s to grow the sport’s footprint, boost revenue, and create fresh markets for the game.

that means two things: finding viable locations for new franchises and designing a model that protects the league’s financial health and competitive balance. The Current Landscape Right now the AFL fields 18 teams, spread across major cities and some regional hubs. The competition is already intense, with each club vying for premiership glory and a share of the lucrative broadcasting deals. Adding two more teams would stretch the schedule, require new stadium investments, and force the league to rethink draft allocations, salary caps, and travel logistics.

Why Expansion Isn’t Just About More Teams Expanding the league isn’t a numbers game alone. It’s about market potential, community engagement, and long‑term sustainability. New clubs can bring fresh fan bases, increase merchandise sales, and open doors for grassroots programs in untapped areas. At the same time, the league must guard against over‑saturation, confirm that existing clubs retain their identity, and maintain a competitive environment where every team has a realistic shot at finals football.

--- Why It Matters / Why People Care 1. Financial Upside The AFL’s revenue model already leans heavily on television rights and sponsorships. Adding two teams means more broadcast hours, more ticket sales, and a broader pool of corporate partners. In 2025, the league reported a record AU$1.2 billion in total revenue, and expansion is projected to lift that figure by at least 10 % within the first two seasons.

For existing clubs, this translates to larger distributions, better facilities, and the ability to invest in higher‑paid talent. 2. Geographic Reach Australia’s population is concentrated in a handful of coastal cities, but there’s a growing appetite for elite sport in regional areas. A well‑placed franchise can become a catalyst for community pride, stimulate local economies, and attract tourism.

In other news: Patrick Kane Leads Team to Victory and Hadestown Musical Shines in Theatrical Release.

Think of the way the AFL’s “Home & Away” model already creates a rhythm for fans across the country. Adding teams in places like Canberra, Gold Coast, or Hobart would reinforce that rhythm and give fans in those markets a reason to watch every week. 3. Competitive Balance The draft system is designed to level the playing field, but with 18 teams the competition is already tight.

Adding two more clubs forces the league to refine the draft, introduce new pathways for player development, and possibly adjust the salary cap to keep the field even. Fans love a good underdog story, and more teams mean more potential for surprise finals qualifiers. --- How It Works (or How to Do It) Option 1: Regional Expansion – Adding a Team in Canberra and Hobart 1. Market Research & Community Buy‑In The AFL would need to conduct extensive market research to confirm demand in Canberra and Hobart.

This includes surveys, focus groups, and feasibility studies on stadium upgrades. Community buy‑in is crucial; local governments and business coalitions must sign on for stadium enhancements and long‑term funding commitments. 2. Infrastructure Investment Both cities already have modern facilities—Canberra’s Manuka Oval and Hobart’s Bellerive Oval.

But, they would need additional locker rooms, media spaces, and potentially a second training complex. The league could partner with state governments to split the cost, similar to the Gold Coast’s partnership with the Queensland government in 2022. 3. Draft & Player Development To keep the competition balanced, the AFL could allocate two “foundation picks” to each new club in the next two drafts.

This gives them access to top talent without completely overhauling the existing order. Additionally, the league could establish regional academy programs to nurture local players, ensuring that Canberra and Hobart clubs have a pipeline of home‑grown talent. 4. Financial Model Revenue sharing would be adjusted to reflect the new clubs’ smaller market sizes.

Existing clubs would receive a modest reduction in distribution, but the overall league revenue pool would grow, offsetting the loss.