Koori Knockout returns home exclusively to NITV and SBS On Demand in 2026

Fans can catch all the live action exclusively on NITV and SBS On Demand, with the brand-new 24/7 Koori Knockout FAST Channel bringing together a decade of classic matches, epic moments and tournament history

Experience the biggest annual First Nations sporting event live and direct from Worimi Country on October 4-5.

National Indigenous Television (NITV) will this year be the exclusive broadcast platform for the Koori Knockout 2026, with NITV and SBS On Demand broadcasting full-day match coverage of the finals live and free, direct from the King Park Sporting Complex in Raymond Terrace, NSW on Worimi Country on Sunday, October 4 and Monday, October 5 from 9:00am.

24-HOURS OF KOORI KNOCKOUT ON SBS ON DEMAND

Additionally, the brand-new Koori Knockout 24-Hour FAST Channel on SBS On Demand which launched last week, gives viewers 24/7 access to the past 10 years of the tournament’s classic matches and a KKO documentary, providing the full experience of the history and evolution of the Knockout.

MORE THAN FIVE DECADES OF FOOTY, CULTURE AND COMMUNITY

Established in 1971 and now in its 54th year, the Koori Knockout is one of the longest-running and most significant Aboriginal sporting and cultural gatherings in Australia, with a proud history spanning more than five decades. It’s a major celebration of sport, culture, community and Blak excellence across the October Long Weekend (NSW, ACT, SA, QLD), and NITV will be there to capture the fierce competition, community pride and cultural celebrations that have made the Knockout one of the most significant events on the First Nations calendar.

NEWCASTLE YOWIES RETURN AS REIGNING CHAMPIONS

This year’s Koori Knockout will be hosted by reigning champions and four-time winners, the Newcastle Yowies, who last year won four Grand Finals on a single day – an historic and record-setting achievement in the 54-year history of the Koori Knockout.

Each year the Koori Knockout unites communities, families, and grassroots players alongside current and former NRL and NRLW stars in a major display of kinship, resilience, and rugby league talent. With supporting multiplatform coverage across the entire weekend, this will be NITV’s 18th broadcast of this iconic rugby league tournament.

MORE THAN 180 TEAMS SET TO COMPETE

The Koori Knockout has grown to be one of the largest Indigenous sporting events in the world, with more than 180 teams lining up to compete in this year’s competition in Raymond Terrace.

The Knockout has traditionally attracted NRL and NSW Cup scouts after developing a huge reputation for highlighting the immense talent and resilience of Indigenous rugby league players. Big name stars including Latrell Mitchell, Cody Walker, Josh Addo-Carr, Greg Inglis, Jack Wighton and Latrell Siegwalt were all Knockout players before playing NRL.

NITV’S KOORI KNOCKOUT COMMENTARY TEAM

NITV’s commentary team this year includes NITV’s Over the Black Dot host and proud Anaiwan man Dean Widders, Bidjigal man Brad Cooke, Ngemba-Muruwari man, Dan Conifer, dual International Timana Tahu, proud descendant of the Gudjula and Erubian people and multi award-winning touch, rugby union and rugby league player, Bo de la Cruz, and NRL player and Dunghutti man, Beau Champion.

NITV’s comprehensive live coverage of the finals will capture all the action, skill and spirit of the Koori Knockout.

Rugby League great, Dean Widders, said: “The Koori Knockout is one of those weekends you circle on the calendar every year. The footy is fast, tough and exciting, and there’s always incredible talent on show. For generations, the Knockout has been a place where young Indigenous players can put their hand up, get noticed and show they’ve got what it takes to go to the next level. But what makes it special is seeing families and communities come together, representing where they’re from and who they’re playing for. I can’t wait to get back behind the mic with the NITV team and bring all the big moments, great stories and atmosphere of the Knockout to everyone watching at home.”

NITV’s Head of Indigenous Commissions and Production, Dena Curtis, said: “NITV is incredibly proud to bring the Koori Knockout exclusively to audiences across the country in 2026. For 54 years, the Knockout has been much more than footy – it’s a powerful celebration of culture, community, family and black excellence. With the Knockout airing exclusively on NITV and SBS On Demand, alongside the launch of the dedicated Koori Knockout FAST channel, we’re proud to deepen NITV’s commitment to this iconic event and give audiences even more ways to experience and celebrate its history, stories and unforgettable moments.”

The Koori Knockout will be hosted at King Park Sporting Complex, live from Raymond Terrace in Worimi Country, in New South Wales. The event is also known as the 2026 Aboriginal Affairs NSW Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.

KOORI KNOCKOUT 2026 SUPPORTING COVERAGE

Over the Black Dot’s episode on Tuesday, September 29 at 9:30pm on NITV will preview the 2026 Knockout. Featuring special KKO guests and the latest player rumours in the lead up to the weekend and will be available to stream for free on SBS On Demand after broadcast.

NITV News’ Nula with Michael Rennie will broadcast live from the Koori Knockout on Friday, October 2 at 3pm on SBS and 5.30pm on NITV.

NITV Radio’s Ngaire Pakai will be on-site on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4 to capture all the action for listeners.

KOORI KNOCKOUT 2026 COVERAGE OVERVIEW

* All Field 1 matches on Sunday, October 4, plus the morning Semi-Finals on Monday, October 5, will be live streamed on NITV’s SBS On Demand & NITV Facebook — with the men’s and women’s Grand Finals (Monday afternoon) screening Live on NITV’s linear channel and SBS On Demand for the best viewing experience.

Thursday October 1 at 6:30pm: Koori Knockout 2026 Men’s Draw from Murrook Cultural Centre available on NITV Facebook Live & SBS On Demand

Friday October 2 & Saturday October 3: Results will be published on NITV online

Sunday October 4 from 9am: Koori Knockout 2026 men’s and women’s matches Live from King Park Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace on NITV, SBS On Demand & NITV Facebook Live

Monday October 5 from 9am: Koori Knockout 2026 men’s Semi-Finals, juniors, women’s & Men’s Grand Finals Live from King Park Sporting Complex, Raymond Terrace on NITV & SBS On Demand. The men’s & women’s Grand Finals will be broadcast on NITV HD & SBS On Demand – the exclusive streaming platform for the best viewer experience

SBS On Demand will replay match highlights on Sunday and Monday

Highlights packages across all NITV digital and social platforms across the entire weekend

Bespoke community coverage and around the grounds yarns on NITV Digital and Social platforms across all four days.

Select individual match replays and highlights will be available to Stream Free on SBS On Demand after broadcast

For more information and interview requests please contact:  

Hannah Watkins, NITV Communications Manager  

0411 362 727 | [email protected]