- New research uncovers extent of price rises
Footy fans are being hit extra hard by the cost of living crisis in 2026, with new research showing that the prices of attending and watching games have skyrocketed.
The cost of match tickets is the biggest concern within both the NRL and AFL, due to the sudden rise from last year.
NRL fans are feeling the pinch the most, with a family ticket for matches jumping by 37 per cent, according to research by the CT Group consultancy firm.
The group pass, which gets two adults and two children into the ground, now costs $130 – a steep rise from $95 in 2025.
AFL fans are also copping an increase in ticket prices.
The cost of grand final tickets has risen by at least $10 in every category, meaning the cheapest reserved seats are now going for $195.
NRL fans (pictured with Reece Walsh) are being forced to pay more at NRL games – with the price of family tickets jumping by 37 per cent this year
AFL supporters (pictured here) are also being impacted by the cost increases
The cost of a meat pie at footy matches has gone up this year, and beer is also more expensive
Pricing for beer on the big day has also shot up.
AFL fans are expected to pay at least $12 for a beer in 2026, which is an increase of 50 cents on the previous year.
Footy tragics are also being slugged extra just for watching matches on TV.
Kayo recently increased the price of its premium subscription package by 12.5 per cent.
The fee for the company’s 4K two-user setup has gone from $40.99 to $45.99 per month, in a move that affects a wide variety of sport fans.
‘We have worked hard to ensure the monthly subscription for entry-level Kayo remains the same, ensuring our world-leading 50-sports live coverage remains accessible for sport fans,’ a company statement read.
Rugby union, Premier League and tennis fans also took a hit to the hip-pocket nerve last year.
Stan Sport, which carries the Super Rugby season as well as the English Premier League and tennis events, increased its prices by 33 per cent.
