The A-League is facing a significant challenge as it aims to recover nearly $1 million from its broadcast production partner, Global Advance, which has recently gone into administration. This unexpected development has left the competition in a race against time to secure a new partner to cover upcoming fixtures.
Global Advance, which was established in 2020, had been the production company responsible for broadcasting A-League matches following the competition's split from long-time broadcaster Fox Sports. The collapse of Global Advance has prompted the Australian Professional Leagues (APL), the organization overseeing the A-League, to urgently seek an alternative production company.
The APL, in discussions late into the night and early morning, is working tirelessly to identify a replacement production partner to ensure that matches, including the A-League Women's game between the Central Coast Mariners and Western United, can proceed as scheduled.
Global Advance's financial troubles came to light when the company requested an advance from the APL to cover production costs for April and May. Despite efforts to resolve the situation, Global Advance informed the APL this week that it would likely be unable to produce matches for the upcoming weekend.
In response to the situation, the APL expressed disappointment over the turn of events and emphasized its commitment to recovering the funds owed to them. The APL acknowledged the challenges posed by the tight timeframe but expressed confidence in finalizing an agreement with a new production company, Ten-Paramount, to ensure the broadcast of all matches.
Administrators from Grant Thornton, overseeing Global Advance's administration, have initiated discussions with the APL to explore the possibility of continuing television coverage for all A-League men's and women's games this weekend. However, the outcome remains uncertain at this stage.
The APL and its stakeholders are working diligently to address the situation and are grateful for the cooperation, flexibility, and expertise shown by the new production company in stepping in at short notice to support the broadcast of A-League matches.
