‘There will be no problems’: McLachlan bullish on AFL broadcast deal – The Age

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That second payment, because of the COVID-19 impact, has resulted in Fox Sports so far broadcasting only round one and the State of Origin bushfire relief match.

Ahead of the next payment, due in July, Foxtel is keen for a significant cut, pointing out there won't be a full season this year, the lengths of quarters have been reduced and there are no crowds.

Foxtel sources also pointed out on Friday it faces a challenge to re-sign subscribers who have been lost because of an economy that has shed thousands of jobs and is now officially in recession.

Seven, which contributes $150 million annually, wants to save between $30 million and $40 million in its rights bill this year and, for the remainder of this deal, until 2022, and in a two-year extension, have the 3 per cent annual inflation charge abolished.

Foxtel, at a minimum, is also seeking the abolition of the annual inflation figure. Foxtel sources suggest it is closer to confirming a revised deal for this year but needs more time to rubber-stamp an extension.

McLachlan is highly regarded for his deal-making skills but said on Friday he was unsure if a revised agreement until the end of 2024 would be brokered by Thursday, when the season recommences with a MCG blockbuster between Collingwood and Richmond. But he remains bullish a new deal will be forthcoming.

TV rights negotiations between Seven, Foxtel and the AFL are ongoing.Credit:Getty Images

"We will get there because we are long-term partners and we will work through it. There will be no problems," he said.

The NRL was able to secure a revised contract with Foxtel and Nine Entertainment Co, the publisher of this masthead, before its season resumed last week.

The broadcast rights are central to the AFL's financial health, and will have a major impact on the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the league and AFL Players Association.

McLachlan said he was weighing up whether to attend the match on Thursday night.

"I would like to go to be honest, certainly for that first game, but I have to work in with the protocols and what's right and what is appropriate," he said.

"If I am there, I will be distanced from everyone else - I can assure you."

However, he was mindful of the "look" of him attending while members and supporters cannot.

"The heartbeat of our game is our members and supporters and they can't go. So, it's a challenge at being there at the opening and supporting our clubs and our players but also acknowledging that the heartbeat of the game can't be there," he said.

"It's, obviously, on my mind. I will work it out with the rest of the team over the next few days."

McLachlan said Fox Sports and Seven were still finalising how they would project virtual crowd noise into the broadcast, something that has successfully been done in the NRL.

He said the AFL would be ready to let supporters return to venues once approval came from state governments.

Jon Pierik is cricket writer for The Age. He also covers AFL and has won awards for his cricket and basketball writing.

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'There will be no problems': McLachlan bullish on AFL broadcast deal - The Age