Gather Round Stays for 2026, But AFL CEO Ties Long-Term Future to Next Year\’s Success

While South Australia is celebrating the confirmation of the 2026 AFL Gather Round fixture, the state government and the AFL remain in negotiations regarding the event\’s permanent home.

The current contract to host the annual round in Adelaide expires after the 2026 event, and no extension has yet been secured, leaving the possibility open for other states to bid for the lucrative four-day festival of football.

AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon gave a strong indication that the event\’s future hinges on the performance of the upcoming round:

\”If Gather Round next year\’s as successful as it has been previously, I think we\’ll be OK,\” Dillon stated, suggesting that continued success is the main variable for a long-term deal.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas is keen to make the event a permanent fixture, highlighting its success in boosting tourism and the hospitality sector. He also signaled a willingness to evolve the hosting model to keep the event fresh if the deal is extended.

\”Should South Australia get an extension of the contract, we\’re open minded to what other venues might look like in the future,\” he confirmed.

This suggests the possible future inclusion of locations like the Adelaide Hills or Fleurieu Peninsula, as the Barossa Valley and Norwood Oval are set to host regional games in 2026, while Mount Barker misses out.

The state is banking on the event’s continued popularity, which has driven unprecedented hotel occupancy rates, to cement its position as the one and only host of the unique \’Festival of Footy.\’