SYDNEY, 06 March 2026 – Kayo Sports has solidified its position as Australia’s dominant sports streaming platform this week, following the announcement of a massive multi-year broadcast extension with Formula 1. The deal, reportedly worth approximately A$60 million per year, ensures that the service remains the exclusive home for every practice, qualifying session, and Grand Prix through 2027 and beyond.
Formula 1 Rights Extension and Fan Reaction
The new agreement, confirmed on 03 March 2026, has sparked significant conversation among the Australian racing community. While the deal guarantees high-quality 4K broadcasts and comprehensive coverage, some fans have expressed frustration over the rising costs of sports streaming in Australia. This extension follows a series of price adjustments across the platform as global sports rights become increasingly competitive.
Under the new terms, Kayo Sports and Fox Sports will continue to provide “near-exclusive” rights to the series. While Network 10 remains the free-to-air partner for the Australian Grand Prix, die-hard fans will require a Kayo subscription to access the full season in high definition and 4K.
Subscription Tiers and Pricing
As of March 2026, Kayo Sports offers two primary subscription tiers. Recent price hikes have seen the entry-level “Standard” plan move to $29.99 per month, while the “Premium” tier, which includes 4K capabilities, is now positioned at $45.99 per month.
| Feature | Kayo Standard | Kayo Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Cost | A$29.99 | A$45.99 |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p HD | Up to 4K Ultra HD |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1 Screen | 2 Screens |
| Key Features | SplitView, Interactive Stats | SplitView, Interactive Stats, 4K |
Device Compatibility and Features
Kayo Sports remains compatible with a wide range of hardware, though users are encouraged to check specific model years for smart TV support. The platform is renowned for its “SplitView” feature, which allows users to watch up to four different streams simultaneously on selected devices (or two on mobile).
- Smart TVs: LG (2019+ with webOS 4.9+), Hisense (2019+ with VIDAA U3-U7), and Samsung.
- Streaming Devices: Apple TV, Android TV, Chromecast, and Telstra TV.
- Mobile & Web: iOS and Android apps, plus major web browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox).
- Consoles: PlayStation and Xbox support.
The Shifting Landscape of Australian Sports Media
The Kayo extension comes at a volatile time for Australian sports broadcasting. With the recent closure of Optus Sport and the transfer of Premier League rights to Nine, Kayo has doubled down on its “Home of Motorsport” branding. In addition to Formula 1, the platform recently confirmed a landmark partnership with Supercars to maintain comprehensive coverage from the 2026 season onwards.
However, the rising costs have led to public debate. Foxtel CEO Patrick Delany recently criticised Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, suggesting they are outdated in a digital-first market. Meanwhile, consumers are feeling the pinch, with some social media users calling for boycotts following a cumulative yearly price increase of approximately $72 for long-term subscribers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Kayo Sports in 4K?
Yes, 4K streaming is available exclusively on the Kayo Premium plan for supported events, including Formula 1 and selected AFL/NRL matches. You will need a compatible 4K device and a steady internet connection of at least 25Mbps.
What happened to the Kayo Basic plan?
The previous “Basic” and “Lite” tiers have been restructured into the current Standard and Premium offerings to accommodate the inclusion of 4K content and rising licensing costs.
Does Kayo still offer a free trial?
Kayo occasionally offers 7-day free trials for new customers, though these are often suspended during major sporting events like the start of the AFL season or the Australian Grand Prix. It is best to check the official Kayo website for current promotions.
Can I use Kayo Sports overseas?
No, Kayo Sports is a geo-blocked service available only within Australia. You must be physically located in Australia and have an Australian mobile number to sign up and stream content.