FOOTBALL Federation Australia has achieved a major coup with the once iconic NRL sponsor Harvey Norman to back the new marquee Friday night A-League games.

With SBS to simulcast Friday night games with Fox Sports this season, the deal worth more than $1 million per year will give the retailer naming rights to the only A-League game shown on free-to-air television.



While the A-League viewing figures have grown steadily in the past three seasons, the league has much invested in gaining a wider audience with the new mixture of free-to-air and pay television.



The Harvey Norman sponsorship is the first significant benefit derived from the broader coverage, and also a victory in the battle for high profile sponsors in an increasingly crowded sports marketplace.



The NRL has enhanced its own sponsorship portfolio in the past 12 months. However, the A-League has clearly benefitted from Harvey Norman’s decision to significantly reduce its involvement with rugby league.

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Harvey Norman managing director Katie Page was an NRL board member until 2011. However, despite her strong credentials, she could not be considered for the NRL Commission because of a rule disqualifying those with ties to the old regime.



Harvey Norman ended a 15-year sponsorship of State of Origin late last year “by mutual agreement’’. The company retains a philanthropic link sponsoring both the Women in League round and the All Stars team.



The withdrawal of Harvey Norman allowed the NRL to "test the market". They subsequently sign a reported $5 million per-year State of Origin sponsorship with Holden which also covers the Kangaroos, a significant improvement on the Harvey Norman deal.



However, the FFA will consider Harvey Norman’s support an indication that last year’s breakout season, highlighted by the rise of the Western Sydney Wanderers, is leading to major commercial gains.

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The A-League season begins on Friday, October 11, when Sydney FC hosts Newcastle Jets at Allianz Stadium.

The combined viewing figures for that, and subsequent Friday night games, will provide an indication of the league’s growth and potential.