ESPN has announced a new three-year deal with the Australian Football League to bring viewers in the UK, Republic of Ireland, Canada, and sub-saharan Africa live coverage of the AFL Premiership.

The deal, which runs for the next three seasons, includes the rights to broadcast one live match per week throughout the season. A weekly TV highlights show will also be available for the 32-round regular season and the Finals Series.

Jeroen Oerlemans, ESPN's vp of TV Channels for EMEA, said: "We're delighted to continue our collaboration with the AFL and bring the thrilling sport of Aussie Rules to millions. Broadcasting Australian Rules Football demonstrates the range and depth of content we strive to offer ESPN viewers and is a great addition to our live sport line-up in each of these territories."

Gillon McLachlan, AFL Chief Operating Officer, stated: "The AFL is delighted to announce a new three-year agreement with ESPN. The AFL and ESPN have built a wonderful partnership over the last three years and we are thrilled to have our code broadcast on such an esteemed network throughout many territories worldwide. I wish to thank ESPN for their ongoing commitment to AFL internationally."

Geelong secured the Premiership Cup with a 38-point victory over Collingwood in 2011.