By Tom Decent
Nine Entertainment has solidified its standing as the home of Australian swimming by signing an historic 10-year broadcast deal with Swimming Australia until the end of 2034.
After delivering record-breaking Olympic and Paralympic broadcasts in Paris last year, Nine has outlined its commitment to Australian swimming ahead of Los Angeles 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
As part of the biggest broadcast deal in swimming history, Nine, the publisher of this masthead, will show the Australian swimming trials for the next decade.
This masthead can reveal Australia’s trials will be held from June 9 to 14 in Adelaide where a Dolphins squad will be selected for this year’s world swimming championships in Singapore (July 27 to August 3). It is the first major international longcourse swimming competition since Paris 2024.
A broadcaster has not been announced yet for the upcoming world championships in Singapore. Nine showed the last world championships in Fukuoka in 2023 when Australia topped the medal tally for the first time since 2001.
As part of its new deal with Swimming Australia, Nine will broadcast the Australian Short Course Championships, Australian Age Championships and Australian Open Championships.
Col Pearse (Paralympian), Ariarne Titmus (Olympian) and James Bracey (broadcaster) pose for a photo at the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. Credit: Aaron Francis
International swimming is also included in the deal, with Nine set to broadcast the 2026 and 2030 Pan Pacific Swimming Championships (Pan Pacs).
The 2026 Pan Pacs in Irvine, California, will be a major focus for Australia’s swimmers as they battle it out against swimmers from the USA, Canada and Japan.
The 2030 Pan Pacs will be hosted in Australia ahead of Brisbane 2032.
Swimming Australia chief executive Rob Woodhouse said in a statement: “This landmark agreement with Nine is a pivotal moment for our sport. It brings unprecedented exposure to our national teams and to the next generation of athletes that will be household names by LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032.
Australia’s Shayna Jack, Mollie O’Callaghan, Emma McKeon and Meg Harris, from left, celebrate after winning the women’s 4×100-metre freestyle relay final in Paris. Credit: AP
“We are always looking to enhance fan accessibility and ensure the visibility of our Dolphins inspires all Australians to swim, to improve their own wellbeing and to be part of our swimming community. This is a great win for fans old and new of swimming, and for the Dolphins, with such incredible access to the sport we love.”
Nine Acting CEO Matt Stanton, said: “Nine is proud to provide Swimming Australia with an unrivalled multimedia platform to showcase its sport and success for the next 10 years. Sport is part of our DNA at Nine and this partnership ensures Swimming Australia has the backing and support of Nine as we head towards Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
Nine’s Director of Sport Brent Williams said: “The Dolphins have provided some of the most iconic moments in Australian sporting history. This inspiring team of fighters and superstars continues to deliver time and time again on the global stage.
“This deal lays the platform for Wide World of Sports to showcase the many fiercely competitive race meets, allow viewers to follow the progress of our big-name athletes, and bring to the forefront the rising stars of swimming who will be our future Olympic champions all the way to Brisbane 2032.”
Jodie Hawkins, executive general manager of commercial at Swimming Australia, added: “This new partnership with Nine presents an incredible opportunity for our sport. We are grateful for the support and confidence Nine has shown in swimming.”
