The NFL’s recent decision to host a regular-season game at Melbourne’s MCG in 2026 could significantly disrupt the AFL’s schedule, particularly affecting its finals in September. Although the exact date has yet to be confirmed, NFL executive vice president Peter O’Reilly suggested it would likely align with the NFL’s season opener, which coincides with the AFL’s finals series.
As both leagues are finalising their 2026 fixtures, the MCG may need to be unavailable for AFL matches during this critical period, especially considering the NFL might require exclusive access at least a week before the game. This situation could compel the AFL to reschedule its season, potentially pushing back its grand final into October, instead of its traditional last Saturday in September slot.
Victoria’s sports minister, Steve Dimopoulos, acknowledged the collaboration between the NFL and AFL, emphasizing the significance of this announcement for Melbourne. O’Reilly highlighted the AFL’s integral role in facilitating this arrangement, noting the shared learning opportunities between the two leagues.
While the AFL has not yet provided a specific contingency plan, it emphasised its history of coordinating with various stakeholders to manage major sports events, ensuring that fans can enjoy the best of both the AFL and NFL offerings.