Where to watch AFL Australian Football League games in Hong Kong
Watching AFL (Australian Football League) games in Hong Kong is very easy and popular among the large Aussie expat community, Kiwis, and footy fans. Hong Kong has a strong network of dedicated sports bars and pubs (especially in Wan Chai, Central, and Soho) that reliably show live AFL matches, including the Toyota Premiership Season, finals, and the Grand Final, usually with English commentary. Here’s everything you need to know for the 2025/26 season.
AFL Grand Final 2026 Saturday 26th September 2026. Kick off time at 12.30pm Hong Kong time.
Time Difference & Game Times in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is on HKT (Hong Kong Time, UTC+8) year-round — no daylight saving.
Australia (VIC/NSW/QLD) uses AEST (UTC+10) during the AFL season (March–September, no daylight saving in those months for AFL). Time difference: Hong Kong is 2 hours behind Australian Eastern Time during the AFL season.
- Example: A 2:30pm AEST kick-off in Australia = 12:30pm in Hong Kong (perfect lunchtime viewing).
- Early games (e.g., 1:45pm AEST) = 11:45am Hong Kong.
- Evening games (rare) push to early afternoon.
AFL games are mostly Saturday afternoons in Australia — so in Hong Kong, they’re usually late morning to early afternoon (ideal for brunch sessions with beers). Check the weekly AFL fixture and subtract 2 hours for Hong Kong time. Bars often open early or extend hours for big matches like finals or the Grand Final.
Best Sports Bars in Hong Kong to Watch AFL
Hong Kong’s top spots are in expat-heavy areas like Wan Chai, Central, and Soho — multiple HD screens, sound on, and guaranteed AFL coverage (especially The Sportsman, which is iconic for Aussie sports). Here are the standout recommendations:
| Bar Name | Location | Description of Bar | Food Served |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wan Chai Stadium | Wan Chai | Iconic American-style sports bar in the heart of Wan Chai bar strip; multiple TVs + huge screens; shows AFL live (especially big matches); lively expat crowd; F1 car hanging from ceiling; often packed | Western/American pub grub: Burgers, wings, steaks; highlights include hearty burgers, peri peri chicken, and classic bar snacks |
| Bar 109 | Wan Chai | Small sports bar in the heart of Wan Chai on Lockhardt Road. | Pub food |
| Delaney’s The Irish Pub | Tsim Sha Tsui (Basement, Mary Building, 71-77 Peking Road) | Irish pub with big screens; covers AFL reliably; warm, welcoming vibe; good for mixed crowds | Irish/Western pub food: Bangers & mash, fish & chips, pies; highlights include traditional Irish breakfast, hearty shepherd’s pie, and classic fish & chips |
| Forbes 36 Sports Bar | Kennedy Town (Forbes Street) | Premier K-Town sports bar/restaurant with multiple screens; shows F1 and other motorsports; spacious, lively atmosphere; great for big races | Elevated pub grub: Steaks, seafood, burgers; highlights include premium steaks, fresh seafood, and hearty comfort meals |
| The Globe | Soho Lan Kwai Fong, Central | Classic British/Aussie pub with multiple big screens; very popular for NRL among expats. Great atmosphere. | British/Aussie pub fare (pies, fish & chips) |
Practical Tips for Watching AFL in Hong Kong
- Check ahead: Bars post schedules on Facebook/Instagram (search bar name + “AFL schedule”). Message to confirm — most accommodate Aussie fans.
- Atmosphere: Expat-heavy (lots of Aussies), tourists, locals. Gets loud and fun for derbies/finals/Grand Final — arrive early!
- Food & Drinks: Pub classics (fish & chips, burgers, pies), some Asian fusion, affordable beers (~HKD 50–80), happy hours common.
- Alternatives: Stream on Watch AFL app via phone/hotel TV (subscription needed; cast to smart TV/Chromecast).
- Location tip: Wan Chai is the AFL hub — walkable from MTR, lively nightlife.
AFL Broadcast in Hong Kong (2025/26 Season)
AFL does not have major free-to-air or dedicated local TV broadcasters in Hong Kong. Rights for international viewing (outside Australia) are managed by:
- Watch AFL (official international streaming service from watchafl.com.au) — streams every match live and on-demand (subscription ~AUD 200–300/year depending on plan).
- Sports bars in Hong Kong use international satellite feeds, streaming packages (e.g., Foxtel/Kayo equivalents), or Watch AFL on big screens.
Most bars will show all AFL games (regular season, finals, Grand Final) live if requested — especially in Aussie-run venues. Just ask ahead!
Enjoy the footy — nothing beats a cold pint and a speccy mark in the city.
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Thanks Guys,
Dropped by McSorley’s Ale House in SoHo on Sunday arvo (Aug26) and they immediately put on the Dees v GWS game. Outstanding.
Great Guinness too.
Cheers,
Gobi One