How to watch AFL games live with a VPN
A VPN is a powerful tool for any footy fan to avoid common streaming issues. With strong encryption, it prevents buffering caused by your ISP selectively slowing down your streaming traffic and bypasses local Wi-Fi restrictions that block streaming apps. Follow these steps and enjoy the AFL from anywhere.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, Aussies looking to watch the AFL for free can connect to one of seven Australian server locations and stream matches on 7plus.
- Goal!
Why you need a VPN to watch the AFL
To be considered great, an AFL team must excel in all areas: offense, defense, and fitness. The same principle applies to a VPN for streaming live sports. You need a VPN that stands out in streaming service compatibility, speed, and server locations. This ensures you can enjoy every mark, goal, and thrilling moment securely, wherever you are.
- Bypass streaming restrictions: Streaming blocks on networks at work, school, or cafés can cause you to miss a game. With a VPN, you keep our online activity private, allowing you to stream matches live from anywhere.
- Avoid ISP throttling: Your internet provider can slow down your connection when it detects streaming activity, causing buffering and lag. A VPN stops it from seeing what you’re doing online, so you can watch smoothly with your usual speeds.
- Secure your personal data: A VPN encrypts your connection on any network, keeping your personal data safe from hackers and trackers—especially on public Wi-Fi, where security risks are higher.
ExpressVPN works with the leading sports streaming platforms that carry AFL matches, including 7plus, Kayo Sports, and Watch AFL, making it easy to watch securely from anywhere.
How to watch AFL games for free
Platform: 7plus
Country: Australia
Games: Three or more games per week.
Aussie fans can stream AFL games live and for free on 7plus, Channel 7’s official streaming platform. Every game airing on Channel 7 or 7Mate is available for free on the platform. All you need is a free account, which you can create with just an email address and an Australian postal code.
While coverage varies by region, 7plus allows you to stream every Channel 7 game from anywhere in Australia. The platform works on web browsers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Chromecast.
Don’t let local Wi-Fi restrictions at school, work, or cafes prevent you from streaming the AFL on 7plus. Download ExpressVPN on your streaming device and connect to a server location in Australia to ensure you never miss a game.
How to watch the AFL in Australia
For fans who want to stream every AFL match, Kayo Sports is the best option. It offers every game live and on demand, along with AFL-related shows from Fox Footy, such as On the Couch, AFL 360, and Bounce.
If you have a Foxtel subscription, you can also stream matches through Foxtel Go at no extra cost. Most AFL games air on Fox Footy, with select matches shown on Fox Sports. Foxtel Now, the provider’s standalone streaming service, includes Fox Footy as part of its Sports Pack.
How to watch the AFL overseas
WatchAFL is the official international streaming service for AFL fans outside Australia, offering live and on-demand coverage of every match from the Toyota AFL Premiership, Finals Series, and Grand Final. Available on mobile, tablet, computer, or TV (via Airplay or Chromecast), it provides flexible subscription options, including weekly, monthly, and annual passes.
You can access additional features like FOX FOOTY channel content, hide scores to avoid spoilers, and download matches for offline viewing. The platform also includes a replay library with AFL games from the past five years, with condensed versions available for the last two years.
How to watch AFL in the U.S.
Fox Sports is the official home of the AFL in the U.S. It airs three games per week on Fox Soccer Plus and a fourth game live on FS1 or FS2. That game will also air on tape delay on Fox Soccer Plus after the live broadcast is complete.
Cord cutters can add Fox Soccer Plus to their subscriptions on YouTube TV (Sports Plus) and Fubo (International Sports Plus). Prevent your ISP from limiting your bandwidth when it detects streaming activity and causing your stream to buffer. Install ExpressVPN on your streaming device and connect to any server location in the U.S.
How to watch the AFL in the UK
TNT Sports is airing select games per week for fans of Aussie Rules Football. If you don’t have cable, you can stream the games live on discovery+.
How to watch AFL in New Zealand
Kiwis can watch select AFL matches every week on Sky Sports New Zealand. If you don’t have or want cable, you can watch the AFL online with Sky Sports Now, which offers short term subscription options, so you can avoid expensive long-term cable contracts.
How to Watch the AFL in Canada
Canadian AFL fans can stream two games per week on TSN+. Generally speaking, one of the games will be on live and the second will be shown on tape delay.
Don’t let network restrictions at work or school keep you from the game. Connect to an ExpressVPN server to encrypt your connection, so you can bypass firewalls and watch wherever you are.
The best VPN for watching the AFL
When it comes to using a VPN to stream the AFL, ExpressVPN is the top choice. It has all the features you need to securely stream live sports from anywhere—with no buffering or error messages.
- Servers in 105 countries including Australia. Whether you’re watching the AFL overseas or at home, ExpressVPN’s extensive global server network has you covered.
- Streaming compatible: Connect to your go-to streaming platform, whether you’re watching the AFL for free on 7plus or streaming on the Watch NFL app, ExpressVPN just works.
- Ultra-fast speeds: The high-speed network has 10-Gbps servers so you won’t notice a drop in your internet speed. You can stream the AFL smoothly in any resolution.
- Apps for major devices: ExpressVPN has easy-to-use apps for PC, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, Android TV, and more. You can also configure it on your router to watch the AFL on your gaming console or other smart TV.
- 24/7 support: Our knowledgeable support staff are ready to help answer your questions 24/7 via live chat.
- Money-back guarantee: Try ExpressVPN risk-free for 30 days!
FAQ: About watching the AFL
Can I use a VPN to watch the AFL from another country?
Some users might watch the AFL by connecting to a VPN server in a country other than their own, but doing so may violate copyright or the streaming service’s terms of use. ExpressVPN is a privacy and security tool, and using it to circumvent copyright is against our Terms of Service. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for ensuring that your use complies with all relevant terms and laws.
Where can I watch AFL live?
In Australia, every match is on Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo Sports. You can also watch the AFL for free on Channel 7 and its streaming service 7plus. Outside Australia, you can stream every game on the Watch AFL app.
Is there an app to watch the AFL?
AFL fans outside Australia can stream every match live and on-demand with the Watch AFL app. In Australia, you can subscribe to the Kayo Sports app to live stream every match. 7plus in Australia streams multiple games per week for free.
Where can I watch AFL in the US?
Fox Soccer Plus has three live AFL games per week and a fourth game is on FS1 or FS2. The channel is available on YouTube TV with the Sports Plus package and Fubo with the International Sports Plus package. If you’re traveling to the U.S., you can keep watching on Kayo Sports and 7plus with ExpressVPN. Connect to a server location in Australia and stream the AFL as if you never left home.
Who is broadcasting the AFL in 2025?
Foxtel is the primary broadcaster of the AFL in Australia, with all games airing on Fox Footy and streaming on Kayo Sports. Channel 7 is also broadcasting select games every week. For fans outside Australia, Watch AFL simulcasts the Foxtel broadcast for every match. Other options include Fox Sports (U.S.), TSN (Canada), TNT Sports (UK), and Sky Sports (New Zealand) all of which broadcast select games every week.
