How to watch 2025 Australian Championship LIVE on SBS

Australian football is back on SBS, with the launch of the long-awaited second tier, the Australian Championship. Here's how to watch every game of the inaugural 2025 season LIVE and FREE across SBS, SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Players representing all 16 teams pose for a photo during the Australian Championship 2025 season launch at Leichhardt Oval on September 23, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images for Football Australia) Source: Getty / Darrian Traynor/Getty Images for Football Austra

SBS On Demand is the place to watch all 55 matches of the Australian Championship - LIVE and FREE from October 10 - with 17 'Super Saturday' matches LIVE on SBS, and the opening match LIVE on SBS VICELAND.

• What is the Australian Championship?
• How can I watch it?
• What teams are involved?
• Is this separate to A-League Men?
• What if I can't watch games live?
• How do I create an account for SBS On Demand?
• Where is the schedule for this season's Championship?

What is the Australian Championship?

Eight foundation clubs and eight NPL premiers from across the country will take part in the first edition of the Australian Championship - a tournament-style format where four groups of four teams will see the top two from each progress to a sudden-death finals series, with the Australian Championship trophy the grand prize.

How to watch the Australian Championship

The opening match kicks off on October 10 with a blockbuster Group A clash between South Melbourne FC and Sydney Olympic FC from Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne, LIVE in full on SBS VICELAND and SBS On Demand.

Then, the first 'Super Saturday' double-header on October 11 - LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand - brings Group D action with North Eastern MetroStars SC taking on Wests Apia FC from T.K Shutter Reserve in Adelaide, followed by the Group C opener from Genis Steel Stadium in Melbourne as Preston Lions FC host NWS Spirit.

Rounding out the weekend, Sunday, October 12 features the remaining five opening fixtures across the four groups, all live streaming in full via SBS On Demand.

What teams are involved?

• Broadmeadow Magic
• Moreton City Excelsior
• South Melbourne
• Sydney Olympic
• Heidelberg United
• Marconi Stallions
• South Hobart
• Wollongong Wolves
• Avondale
• Canberra Croatia
• NSW Spirit
• Preston Lions
• Bayswater City
• North Eastern MetroStars
• Sydney United 58
• Wests APIA

Is this separate to A-League Men?

Yes, this competition is not connected to the A-League Men or any of its associated clubs. The Australian Championship is the national second tier for football in Australia, with no promotion or relegation between the two at this time.

What if I can't watch games live?

If you're not able to watch live, every match of the competition will be available for catch-up via a dedicated SBS On Demand Hub (launching October 3) including full replays, 25-minute mini matches and 3-minute short highlights packages for all 55 matches - so you can watch the action your way.

How do I create an account for SBS On Demand?

Creating an account with SBS On Demand is free, quick and easy!

1. Visit: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/
2. Click on 'create account':
3. You'll then be prompted to enter:
   
   • First name
   • Email
   • A password of your choosing - your chosen password must be at least 5 characters with a number
   • Birth year
   • Gender

4. Once all the above details have been successfully entered, you'll see the above notification advising an email has been sent to you to verify your account:

5: Click the link on the email to verify your email address

6: You can now go ahead and sign in to SBS On Demand. Happy viewing!

Upcoming Australian Championship 2025 matches LIVE on SBS

Final

Saturday, December 6

South Melbourne FC v Marconi Stallions FC

2:30pm - 6:30pm (AEDT)

LIVE on SBS and SBS On Demand