Whilst the benefits of showing live sport are well documented, the cost of paying for a subscription can be prohibitive to some venues.
But for any eagle eyed publican, there is still hours of enticing sport being shown on free to air TV each week that can be used to tempt customers in or keep them at the bar for just one more.
Here’s a rundown of all the live sport you can show at zero cost in your sports bar this summer.
Cricket
Seven’s coverage includes men’s Test Matches, the Big Bash League (BBL), Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), and Women’s internationals.
With a blockbuster summer of cricket and the Ashes on home soil, it’s the perfect chance to bring fans in early for warm-ups, enjoy all the action live… and maybe encourage another round when the late wickets fall.
Coming Up:
8th November - Australia v India T20
9th November - Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) begins
21st November - The First Ashes Test begins
14th December - Men’s Big Bash League (BBL) begins
A-Leagues
Australian football takes centre stage free-to-air on Channel 10 every weekend. A-League Men airs live on Saturdays and A-League Women on Sundays, with select games also on 10 Drama.
With the Women’s Asian Cup approaching and the Matildas squad fight heating up, there's real momentum around the women’s league. Meanwhile, excitement builds for the men’s World Cup cycle — a perfect talking point to get fans into your venue and keep them coming back weekly.
Plus, all Australia Cup matches from the Round of 32 onward are also free live on Channel 10.
Coming Up:
Weekly: A League Men’s
Weekly: A League Women’s
International football
Nine is showcasing select Premier League and FA Cup matches live on free-to-air as part of its deal with Stan Sport. While only a limited slate will hit broadcast TV, the matches chosen will feature prime time kick-offs, ideal for evening trade and mid-week footfall.
The deal also includes the UEFA Women’s Euro, Japan’s J-League and the NWSL, opening the door to more international football fans looking for a place to watch.
Coming Up:
Matches announced throughout the season - keep an eye on Nine’s guide or (if you want to make it easy) your FANZO schedule.
NFL
Gridiron fans, rejoice: two Sunday afternoon games (airing Monday AU) plus Thursday Night Football (airing Friday AU) are available for free.
Perfect for weekday lunchtime offers or early-week specials - and the right promotion can grow a loyal Monday football crowd.
Coming Up:
9th November - Indianapolis Colts v Atlanta Falcons
Tennis
Summer tennis lands with a bang, and the Channel 9 coverage guarantees strong viewership and multiple marquee events.
Don’t just rely on the Australian Open to keep your sports bar full.
With tournaments right across the country in the lead up to the grand slam, you’re going to have plenty of action for your screens right throughout January. And the best bit? Tennis on Nine is ‘set and forget’ with games running back to back from early to late.
Coming Up:
2nd January - United Cup begins
4th January - Brisbane International begins
12th Jan - Adelaide International begins
12th Jan Australian Open begins
NBL
Network 10 is bringing live, free-to-air NBL action every Sunday, giving basketball fans an easy destination to catch the league’s biggest matchups.
With 2:30pm games on Channel 10 and 4:30pm games on 10 Drama, venues can tap into consistent afternoon footfall - perfect for family groups, casual sports fans and younger hoops audiences building weekend routines.
Coming Up:
9th November: Adelaide 36ers v Perth Wildcats
9th November: Sydney Kings v New Zealand Breakers
