AFL Considers NBA-Style In-Season Tournament with $5M Prize

The Australian Football League (AFL) is exploring the introduction of an in-season tournament inspired by the NBA Cup, which could feature a lucrative $5 million prize for the winning team and the possibility of securing a finals berth. The proposal was discussed during a recent meeting of the AFL’s chief executives from all 19 clubs held on the Gold Coast, as reported by Ben Cotton from Fox Sports on July 7, 2025.

As the AFL prepares for the potential entry of Tasmania into the league in 2028, the idea of an in-season tournament has gained traction among club executives. This initiative aims to create more engaging content and marquee moments throughout the season, reflecting the AFL's commitment to enhancing fan experience and competition excitement. AFL Chief Executive Andrew Dillon confirmed that discussions are ongoing concerning the future structure of the league, which may include significant changes to the regular fixture.

"We had a really productive couple of days with all 19 club CEOs and the AFL executive on how we as an industry prepare for the next 5-10 year period," Dillon stated. "A committee of club CEOs and AFL representatives have been working through ideas, focusing on creating more content and marquee moments across a season that are appealing for fans, players, and clubs."

The proposed tournament would not be integrated with the home and away season, differing from the NBA's approach where in-season tournament games count towards the regular season. Two options are being considered for scheduling: either conducting matches every four to six weeks during the premiership season or pausing the season for approximately a month to facilitate the tournament.

This concept, which may also allow teams to recruit state league players or recently retired stars such as Dustin Martin and Lance Franklin, aligns with the league's strategy of adapting to changing fan expectations and enhancing competitive balance. The initial reception of this proposal among club executives has been largely supportive, indicating a collective recognition of the need for innovation within the sport.

The NBA Cup, introduced in 2023, serves as a precedent for this initiative, aiming to maintain fan engagement throughout the season. As the AFL continues to explore this and other strategic options, the focus remains firmly on creating a sustainable and compelling league structure for the future. The implications of such changes could significantly alter the landscape of Australian rules football, expanding its appeal both domestically and internationally.

As discussions progress, stakeholders across the industry are expected to remain actively involved in shaping the future of the AFL, ensuring that any new tournament reflects the values and aspirations of the league and its fans.