Channel Ten has signalled its interest in bidding for the next AFL broadcast rights, even if the AFL decides it wants a 10-year agreement.

AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has floated the prospect of an extended deal, with the present five-year, $1.25 billion agreement with Channel Seven, Foxtel and Telstra expiring after the 2016 season. Media analysts believe a new five-year deal could be worth about $1.6 billion and a 10-year agreement between $3.5 billion and $4 billion.

Ten's chief Hamish McLennan has already signalled his interest in the network regaining a slice of the AFL rights it lost in 2011. It's understood he is open to an extended contract.

"We like what the AFL has done with the game and it has real appeal to us," a Ten spokesman said on Tuesday.

However, industry speculation is that Ten has a greater chance of securing a piece of the NRL rights, having failed in this bid in 2012.