Another insider claims the network is “so cash strapped that management are looking for a release valve” from the high cost of airing AFL games on their free to air network. The AFL refused to disclose the cash and contra split to ChannelNews when the deal was struck. On top of the rights cheque sits the cost of actually broadcasting the games, production, logistics and on air talent. What it does not have is AFL streaming rights, which sit with arch rival Kayo, while Nine Entertainment holds its own sports streaming play with Stan. The question now is whether the AFL, sitting on a record $4.5b deal, is prepared to give it.