AFL looks at taking the game to the USA after the NRL’s Vegas gamble paid off – here’s why they’ll need help from cricket bosses
- AFL could eventually host league matches in the US
- A partnership with Cricket Australia is being considered
- NRL drew a big crowd for the double-header in Vegas
THE AFL is considering joining forces with Cricket Australia in a move that could see the return of footy code stage matches in the US.
It follows the NRL’s bold venture into Las Vegas, which proved a success at Allegiant Stadium last Sunday.
More than 40,000 spectators attended the historic double header, with many interested locals spotted in the crowd at Sin City.
The scenes have prompted the AFL to consider whether they will now follow suit and consider the possibility of another foray into America.
The AFL has not played a match in the US since a 2006 pre-season friendly with North Melbourne and the Sydney Swans at the University of California, Los Angeles.
THE AFL is considering joining forces with Cricket Australia in a move that could see the code return to stage matches in the US (pictured, American-born Collingwood star Mason Cox)
It follows the NRL’s bold venture into Las Vegas, which proved to be a success at Allegiant Stadium last Sunday (pictured, Sea Eagles fullback Tom Trbojevic in action in Vegas)
AFL boss Andrew Dillon will keep an eye on the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup when it is held in the United States and the Caribbean in June
Over the years, fifteen matches have been played against each other at Honolulu Stadium and Portland Civic Stadium, while Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon have played in Miami.
With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup due to be held in the United States and the Caribbean in June, AFL boss Andrew Dillon confirmed he will be keeping an eye on the tournament – and how well the matchday venues are being used.
“I’d be interested in what they’re doing there,” he told the AFL Record.
“I think there are opportunities at the right time for the AFL in the United States, and there are other opportunities internationally as well.”
His interest in cricket partly stems from the fact that oval grounds are scarce in the US.
In January, GWS announced again that they wanted to eventually play a league match in the US – and last year GWS sent a club staffer to scout possible locations.
The plan before COVID was for the Giants to host Essendon in San Francisco or Los Angeles, but the dream was interrupted due to the pandemic.
With direct flights from Sydney to Los Angeles and San Francisco in less than 14 hours, a large number of fans are expected to get their passports stamped and support Adam Kingsley’s men abroad in the flesh.
The 2024 AFL season kicks off on Thursday evening when the Swans host Melbourne at the SCG from 7.30pm.