Kayo Sports Price Hike 2026: New Costs and Plans for NRL and AFL Fans

kayo sports

AUSTRALIA, 07 February 2026 – Australian sports fans are facing a significant shift in the streaming landscape this week as Kayo Sports officially implements its latest price hike. The adjustment, which sees the Premium tier climb to nearly $46 per month, comes as the platform gears up for the 2026 NRL and AFL seasons, alongside a newly expanded partnership with the PSA Squash Tour.

Price Hikes and Plan Changes for 2026

As of February 2026, Kayo Sports has adjusted its subscription costs, citing the rising expense of securing global sports rights. The most notable change affects the Premium plan, which has increased from $40 to $45.99 per month. This represents a $72 annual increase for long-term subscribers, sparking significant debate among the estimated 1.5 million users currently on the platform.

The current subscription structure is as follows:

Plan TierMonthly Cost (AUD)Key Features
Kayo Standard$29.99One High Definition (HD) stream.
Kayo Premium$45.99Two simultaneous 4K streams.

While the price increases have drawn criticism on social media platforms like Reddit, Kayo continues to offer a “Freebies” section for select content and occasional introductory offers, such as a $1 first-month trial for new customers during major season launches.

Latest Content and Rights Updates

Despite the cost increases, Kayo remains the primary destination for “Super Saturday” footy and comprehensive motorsport coverage. Recent updates to the content library include:

  • NRL & AFL: Live coverage of the 2026 NRL Pre-season series and All-Star matches is currently underway, ad-break free during play.
  • PSA Squash Tour: A new agreement announced this week brings live coverage of the PSA Squash Tour to the platform for the remainder of the season.
  • Golf: Kayo is currently providing live streaming for all four days of the Phoenix Open.
  • Supercars: Following a record-breaking 2025 season with a 42% lift in streaming minutes, Kayo remains the home of Supercars under a multi-year landmark partnership.

Notably, UFC fans should be aware that as of 2026, many UFC events have transitioned to Paramount+ following an expanded partnership between Paramount and the UFC.

Device Compatibility and Technical Requirements

To access the 4K streams offered in the Premium tier, users must ensure their hardware meets specific requirements. Kayo is compatible with a wide range of devices, though performance can vary based on the age of the hardware.

Device TypeCompatibility Requirements
Apple iOSRequires iOS 16.0 or later (iPhone/iPad).
Android TVAndroid TV OS version 8.0 and above.
Samsung TV2017 models or later.
LG TV2019 models or later running webOS 4.9+.
Hisense TVSelected 2019+ models using VIDAA U3-U7 software.
Web BrowsersLatest versions of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, and Edge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Kayo Sports increase its prices in 2026?

The price hike is attributed to the escalating costs of broadcast rights for major sporting codes like the AFL and NRL, as well as the platform’s investment in 4K streaming technology and a new platform roll-out.

Can I still watch Kayo for free?

Yes, Kayo offers a “Kayo Freebies” tier that includes a selection of live sports, docos, and classic matches. However, a paid subscription is required for live AFL, NRL, and F1 coverage.

Does Kayo support 4K streaming on all plans?

No. 4K streaming is exclusive to the Kayo Premium plan ($45.99/month). The Standard plan is limited to High Definition (HD).

Is the UFC still on Kayo?

While Kayo has historically carried UFC content via ESPN, many marquee events and Fight Nights have moved to Paramount+ as part of a new broadcast deal starting in 2026. Users should check the specific event listings on the Kayo app.