ABC International has announced an exciting slate of sports-focused programming for 2026, placing sport at the heart of its audience growth strategy for Asia and the Pacific.
At a livestreamed event in Sydney titled The Power of Sport, ABC International's Head Claire M. Gorman outlined ambitious plans, including ongoing investment in high quality sports content for the ABC's international screen, audio and digital platforms.
According to Gorman: "Today is an opportunity to celebrate and reflect on the power of sport to build audiences and promote inclusion and equality. ABC International will continue to place sport at the heart of what we do, with exciting new content and programs coming in 2026."
In addition to premium content, Gorman reaffirmed ABC International's commitment to developing sports media programs in the Indo-Pacific region via its media development unit, ABC International Development (ABCID), which runs the successful programs Women in News and Sport (WINS) and Commentary and Mobile Journalism Program (CAMP).
Gorman said: "WINS turns ten in 2026 and over the decade, it has backed hundreds of women across Asia and the Pacific to succeed in sports media through targeted mentoring, training and networking. CAMP also creates digital storytelling opportunities on our platforms for women, First Nations Broadcasters and other under-represented voices across the Indo-Pacific."
ABC INTERNATIONAL'S 2026 SLATE SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
In 2026, ABC Australia will be the international home to leading Australian sports, including the AFL and AFLW (men and women's Australian Football Leagues), the Melbourne Cup and the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
Also returning is weekly fan favourite That Pacific Sports Show with Tiana Penitani-Gray and Sam Wykes and Paul Kennedy's popular series Play On.
Premiering on ABC Australia in 2026 is inspiring new AFL documentary Playing on a Prayer, which accompanies two young Muslim players as they try to get drafted into the AFL league.
ABC Radio Australia takes NRL to the Pacific and Timor-Leste in 2026 while weekly sports talk programs Fresh Off The Field and Nesian Footy will also return, featuring popular presenters Sam Wykes and Tinirau Arona.
