Kayo Sports records its most watched AFL season – Kayo Sports has recorded its most watched AFL season, as fans streamed record numbers across the 2026 Toyota AFL season.
Across the home and away season and the first Wildcard Round, fans streamed 8.4 billion minutes of AFL. Viewing was counted across Kayo Sports, BINGE, Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now.
The result shows how important live AFL has become to sports streaming in Australia. It also gives Kayo Sports and Foxtel a strong lead-in to the finals, with every game up until the Grand Final available live in 4K Ultra HD and ad-break free during play.
Collingwood leads the audience charge
Collingwood was again one of the season’s biggest audience drivers. The club featured in seven of Kayo Sports’ eight most-watched AFL matches.
After Collingwood, the next most watched teams on Kayo Sports were Carlton and Hawthorn.
Collingwood’s matches against Hawthorn, the Western Bulldogs and Geelong were the three most watched games of the regular season.
Kayo Sports also delivered its highest-rating Gather Round. In addition, Hawthorn’s clash with the Western Bulldogs became the highest rating Gather Round match on the platform.
Wildcard Round delivers
The AFL’s first Wildcard Round delivered 123 million minutes streamed across the weekend. Four teams fought for the final two places in the top eight.
Friday night’s Western Bulldogs v Collingwood clash was the most watched Friday night AFL match on Kayo Sports in 2026.
Meanwhile, Saturday night’s Melbourne v Carlton match was the most watched Kayo Sports meeting between the two clubs. It was also the second-highest performing AFL game of 2026, behind Hawthorn v Collingwood in Round 23.
Round 12 was the most watched regular season round. It included Fremantle v Brisbane, Collingwood v Western Bulldogs and Carlton’s close win over Geelong.
Round 13 was the second most watched round. That weekend had six games decided by eight points or less.
Fox Sports looks to finals
FOX SPORTS Managing Director Steve Crawley said the growth showed how fans had embraced the network’s AFL coverage.
“This has been another outstanding season for the AFL,” Crawley said.
Crawley said Kayo Sports would keep building on its 4K coverage. Fox Footy’s commentary team will also continue through the finals.
Every AFL Finals Series game up until the Grand Final will be broadcast live on Kayo Sports and Foxtel, with dedicated Fox Footy commentary.
For more AFL coverage, visit TV Central’s AFL section. Kayo Sports is available in Australia at kayosports.com.au.
