AFL to establish Sydney Football League as NSW premier competition in 2027

The AFL has announced the establishment of the Sydney Football League (SFL), which will serve as the premier football competition in New South Wales starting in April 2027. The decision follows a competition review aimed at elevating the standard of football in Greater Sydney and creating a clear pathway for players, coaches, and officials.

The inaugural SFL will feature four divisions: Senior Men, Senior Women, Under 19 Men, and Under 20 Women. The competition will initially consist of nine clubs. AFL Chief Operating Officer Tom Harley stated that the league represents a significant investment to support the growing depth of talent in the state.

In related developments regarding the AFL's landscape, the AFLW is seeing shifts in broadcast priority. While some matches have seen coverage moved to secondary channels during news windows, the AFL has also moved to clear lucrative Thursday night broadcast slots to provide the AFLW with uncontested exposure.