Sad because the studio option wins.
At least for today , it was basically a choice between SBS Viceland using local commentators from a studio or 9GEM using the host broadcaster commentators. Both on multichannels so I don’t think there’s any advantage there.
I think Nine are going to do the same for upcoming days with their own commentators(again, in a studio) so we won’t have an option.
I think Nine will “win” tonight, because of the lead-in from the NRL Finals series. Not because of a studio host.
9Gem recently aired the US Open (tennis) and they called from the studio in Australia (outside of the World Feed). And the daytime “late coverage” rated well in some demos. Nothing to do because of a on-ground-host or a studio host.
Also SBS, while partially funded by commercials, is still a public broadcaster that heavily relies on whatever public funding the Government provides - would be harder for them to justify the cost, especially when another broadcaster (Nine) also have the rights.
Official opening
Notice SBS and Nine showing different feed at least once - SBS showed an Australian in the pole vault qualifications that Nine showed delayed.
And Day One has just wrapped up, finishing up at 11.32pm. And straight to the Cycling (La Vuelta).
Who knew that there would be so much excitement for Athletics on SBS. A job well done to SBS for the coverage, and great commentary.
Disappointing they can’t drop the Live bug
Bruce’s call of the women’s 1500 m final plus Tamsyn’s reactions
"JESS! JESS! JESS! YES!" 🇦🇺🥉
— SBS Sport (@SBSSportau) September 16, 2025
Bruce McAvaney and Tamsyn Manou couldn't help but get emotional watching Jess Hull make HISTORY for Australia in the 1500m final! 🥹#WCHTokyo25 | September 13-21 | SBS VICELAND & SBS On Demand 📺 pic.twitter.com/hrb8gYeAOl
Did Bruce chuck in a couple of “specials”? 
Get ready, Australia - Gout Gout takes to the track TONIGHT! 
Join Bruce McAvaney, Tamsyn Manou and David Basheer for the call on Day 5 of the World Athletics Championships! 
Football Australia and SBS today announced a landmark multi-year, multi-platform agreement to broadcast the inaugural Australian Championship on SBS, SBS On Demand and SBS VICELAND, delivering every moment live and free to fans across the nation.
The historic agreement makes SBS the exclusive linear television home of the Australian Championship for at least the next two years, showcasing 18 matches on Free to Air Television and live and free on SBS On Demand from the Group Stage through to the Quarter-Finals, Semi-Finals, and Grand Final.
This broadcast commitment is supported by a package of marketing benefits that will enhance the fan experience and grow the reach of the Australian Championship.
Fans will be able to follow the innovative competition format with every Saturday match - totalling 12 games - plus knockout fixtures from two Quarter-Finals, both Semi-Finals and Grand Final, broadcast free-to-air on SBS’ primary channel, providing unmatched access to the next era of Australian football.
The ‘Super Saturday’ double-headers will feature two back-to-back matches kicking off at 1.00pm and 3.00pm AEDT every weekend.
The highly anticipated opening match between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC on Friday 10 October will also be broadcast on linear, live and free on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand, ensuring visibility and excitement around this historic match.
In addition to its free to air broadcast commitments, SBS will be delivering additional innovative content for fans, including multi-lingual podcasts each week of the competition and regular news features. More details will be announced by SBS and Football Australia ahead of the opening round.
This partnership announcement follows the news that five matches from the Australian Championship (two Quarter Finals, two Semi Finals and the Final) will be broadcast live and free into the Pacific Islands via Football Australia’s partnership with Pacific Aus TV.
Key Broadcast Highlights:
- SBS will be the exclusive free-to-air broadcast partner of the Australian Championship for the next two years with an option to extend.
- All fixtures streamed live and free on SBS Live and SBS On Demand, ensuring fans never miss a minute of the action.
- 17 of 55 matches broadcast live and free-to-air; commencing with 'Super Saturday’ double header matches plus access to Finals Series matches televised nationally on SBS, bringing quality football content into millions of homes.
- The much-anticipated opening match between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC broadcast free-to air on SBS VICELAND, setting the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable inaugural season.
- The Championship Final will be played on Saturday 6 December at 3:00pm AEDT, following coverage of the FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 Final Draw which will be broadcast on SBS.
Quotes attributable to Football Australia Interim Chief Executive Officer Heather Garriock:
“Our partnership with SBS is a landmark moment for Australian football and the Australian Championship.”
“Accessibility sits at the heart of this agreement. Whether you’re watching on free-to-air television or streaming on SBS On Demand, every fan—from the city to our local football communities—can experience the very best of the Australian Championship through our Super Saturday format.
“The historic opening clash between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC is a fitting way to launch this competition—two iconic clubs, a national audience, and the country watching via VICELAND. It’s going to be a blockbuster start to the next era of Australian football.
“SBS shares our passion for uniting the game and our commitment to making it accessible to everyone. Together, we’re not just broadcasting matches—we’re building a national platform that celebrates Australian football’s storied past whilst also investing in future generations.” Garriock concluded.
Quotes attributable to SBS Director of Sport, Ken Shipp:
“As the spiritual home of football in Australia, SBS is the natural home for the Australian Championship, an aspirational competition that will create a pathway for many of Australia’s brightest young players from the sport’s grassroots to the highest-level competition in the land, the Isuzu UTE A-league Men’s competition.”
“SBS’s football offering now includes compelling competitions at every level and for every fan - including, of course, the FIFA World Cup 2026ᵀᴹ,” Shipp concluded.
The Australian Championship will bring together 16 teams in a dynamic and sustainable format, featuring eight Foundation Clubs and eight invited NPL champions from the National Premier Leagues (NPL). This innovative format bridges state-based competitions with the Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s pathway, helping reshape the national football pyramid and unlock new opportunities for clubs and players.
Further announcements, including commercial partnerships and the official Season Launch will be made in the lead-up to the competition’s historic debut on Friday, 10 October 2025.
The first match is so old school NSL.
I mean 9 is also from a studio. It’s just that they have some reporters (1-2) on location
How great is it having the NSL back on SBS. I meant the Australian Cup.
All Saturday games (Rounds 1-6,Quarter Finals and Semi Finals) will air on the main channel of SBS as double headers - with the 1pm and 3pm games showing, plus the Grand Final on December 6 at 3pm. Opening Round will also include a Friday night game on Viceland (Oct 10 at 7pm).
All other Friday night games, and all Sunday games will be on SBS ON Demand - also live.
Dear 10,
Stop being toes-in toes-out for the soccer.
You either want it all or just the national teams.
Stop ignoring other rights and shoving them onto 10Play/P+
Once again, you don’t have some rights
