AFL faces up to post lockdown changes

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April 10, 2020

Having last week secured a line of credit with two major banks to allow it to keep operating during the Coronavirus pandemic, the AFL is facing up to significant changes when the league resumes.

With the league and clubs having stood down significant numbers of staff until 31^st May to reduce costs, the sport is facing up to drastically reduced budgets when playing resumes, as a result of falls in income through TV money, gate takings and other commercial opportunities.

Off-field spending, capped at $9.7 million before the Coronavirus shutdown, looks set to be cut further.

Western Bulldogs AFLW coach, whose role was recently cut to seven hours per week, told the ABC “the (AFL clubs are) probably going to have to look at their whole business model of how much do they put into their next-generation academies, their school programs and their community programs.

"And they need to decide - what's our core business? Do we cut out an assistant coach or do we cut somebody from the marketing department?”

Reduced income reportedly means that some clubs that fielded AFLW teams during the incomplete 2020 season are questioning whether they can afford to continue doing so beyond this year.

30th March 2020 - AFL looks to secure $600 million loan

29th March 2020 - AFL and players agree pay-cut deal through Coronavirus shutdown

22nd March 2020 - AFL suspends season until end of May in response to Coronavirus

18th March 2020 - AFL season to commence on time despite Coronavirus pandemic

17th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees AFL announce plan to cut season to 17 rounds

13th March 2020 - AFL and NRL seasons to go ahead behind closed doors due to Coronavirus fears

4th March 2020 - Coronavirus fears sees AFL cancel Shanghai fixture

26th February 2020 - Marvel Stadium delivers hospitality upgrades ahead of 2020 AFL season

14th February 2020 - AFL and Ticketmaster move to scrap ticket booking fees at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

8th February 2020 - AFL announces key partnerships ahead of the 2020 NAB AFL Women’s Competition

7th February 2020 - AFL Taskforce report shows Tasmanian team viable and sustainable

7th February 2020 - AFL’s Carlton on track to be debt free by 2022

7th February 2020 - The AFL and Coles announce major five-year partnership

11th December 2019 - AFL’s Crows reveal plans to replace Adelaide Aquatic Centre with new training base

4th November 2019 - AFL announces new management arrangements for Marvel Stadium

29th October 2019 - AFL reaches agreement with AFLW players for 2020 season

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