The Australian Football League (AFL) is set to take another step toward international growth, with CEO Andrew Dillon scheduled to visit India this weekend as part of the league’s strategy to expand its presence across South Asia.
The upcoming visit highlights the AFL’s growing interest in India as a key emerging market, driven by the country’s young population, increasing engagement with global sports, and strong people-to-people links with Australia. The league views South Asia as a region with long-term potential for grassroots participation and fan development.
During his visit, Dillon is expected to meet with sports administrators, government representatives and business leaders to explore opportunities for collaboration. Discussions are likely to focus on introducing Australian rules football through youth programs, coaching initiatives and community-based engagement models tailored to local conditions.
The AFL has previously experimented with international outreach in regions including China, the United States and the Pacific, but India represents a distinct opportunity due to its scale and rapidly evolving sports ecosystem. Officials believe that sustained engagement, rather than one-off events, will be key to building awareness and participation.
India’s growing appetite for diverse sporting formats has already attracted interest from several international leagues. The AFL’s approach is expected to emphasise development pathways, school-level exposure and cultural exchange rather than immediate commercial outcomes.
The planned visit also reflects broader Australia – India ties, where sport increasingly plays a role in strengthening bilateral connections. By engaging directly with Indian stakeholders, the AFL aims to better understand how the game can be introduced in a way that resonates with local communities.
As Andrew Dillon prepares for the visit, the AFL has indicated that any future initiatives in India will be rolled out gradually, with a focus on sustainability and long-term growth. The outcomes of the discussions this weekend are expected to shape the league’s next phase of international expansion in South Asia.
