THE AFL has purchased Etihad Stadium in a deal that will provide a significant financial boost for its tenant clubs.

The AFL would have taken ownership of the stadium for just $30 in March 2025, but has been negotiating its early release.

The sale price is believed to be somewhere between $150 — $200 million with the handover starting in November.

It was reported earlier this year that the league is planning a $300 million revamp of the precinct which is likely to include a new waterside gateway, open-air bars, parks and a running track.

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Acting Victorian minister for sport Martin Foley said the decision to purchase Etihad was a step in the right direction.

“We welcome this decision, which provides certainty and financial stability for tenant clubs,” Foley said.

“We’ve put together a Ministerial Taskforce to take a good look at what sporting infrastructure we’ve got today, and what we need for the future.

“This will ensure Melbourne’s next major transformation cements its title as the sporting capital of the country and the world’s most liveable city.”

EJ Whitten match. Daisy Pearce (left) and Steph Chiocci (right) flank footy legends Cameron Ling and Matthew Richardson on the roof of Etihad Stadium.. Picture: Eugene Hyland Source: News Corp Australia

Although the fans will benefit, the biggest winners will be tenant clubs St Kilda, Western Bulldogs, Carlton, Essendon and North Melbourne.

The Saints, Dogs and Blues in particular have long complained of the poor deals they claim to have.

Clubs have to hit an attendance figure of between 25,000 and 26,000 to break even which is far less favourable than grounds such as the MCG and interstate venues.

In 2013 the Saints were handed a bill of almost $100,000 for a home and away game at Etihad Stadium.

In 2014, St Kilda made as much revenue playing one game in New Zealand or two games at the MCG as it did playing eight games at Etihad Stadium.

And last year North Melbourne Chairman James Brayshaw labelled the arrangement the “worst stadium deal in the history of world sport”.

Essendon's James Hird at team training session. Australian Rules A/CT Source: News Corp Australia

The AFL released a statement on Friday confirming its purchase.

“Owning Etihad Stadium enables the AFL to continue to strengthen the financial health of

several of our Victorian clubs, develop an asset for our whole industry, and commit to being

a serious stakeholder in the future of the Docklands precinct.” Gillon McLachlan said.

“The AFL will continue to operate Etihad Stadium as a multi-purpose entertainment venue

hosting AFL matches, other sports, concerts and a broad range of entertainment options.”

Melbourne Stadiums Limited (MSL) chairman Tony Hallam was delighted with the purchase.

“The AFL’s purchase of Etihad Stadium is an investment by them into the future of its clubs

and fans. Etihad Stadium is world class and, by purchasing now, the AFL acquires a

profitable, well run sports and entertainment stadium with the potential for further growth in

the future,” Hallam said.

“Importantly, for our people who work at the stadium every day, and our commercial

partners, becoming part of the extended AFL organisation opens up new and exciting

development opportunities,” Mr Hallam said.

Etihad Airways will continue as the naming rights partner to the Stadium under its current

agreement to 2019, with options to further extend that partnership.

Tom Morris is on Twitter: @tommorris32