Supporting a local team is a big part of Aussie culture, and Sydney offers plenty of opportunities to join in the excitement.
Here’s your guide to the key sports teams and where to watch them in Sydney.
AFL (Australian Rules Football)
The teams: Sydney is home to two AFL teams: the Sydney Swans and the Greater Western Sydney Giants. These teams bring the excitement and intensity of Aussie Rules to the city.
The league: The Australian Football League (AFL) is the premier competition for Australian rules football. The AFL season runs from March to September, culminating in the Grand Final, which is held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The league features 18 teams from across Australia, each playing 23 rounds during the regular season, followed by a finals series.
Where to watch: The Sydney Swans play their home games at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), while the Greater Western Sydney Giants play at ENGIE Stadium in Sydney Olympic Park. Both venues offer fantastic atmospheres and are easily accessible by public transport. For more information on tickets, visit the Sydney Swans website or the GWS Giants website.
Basketball
The team: The Sydney Kings represent the city in the National Basketball League (NBL), Australia’s top basketball competition.
The league: The NBL features teams from across Australia, competing in a season that runs from October to April. The league is known for its high-energy games and enthusiastic fan base.
Where to watch: Home games are played at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney Olympic Park. The arena is known for its electric atmosphere and is easily accessible by public transport. For tickets and schedules, visit the Sydney Kings website.
Cricket
The teams: Sydney’s cricket scene is buzzing with excitement and talent. The NSW Blues take on the best in domestic competitions, while the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder bring the heat in the Big Bash League (BBL).
The league: The NSW Blues compete in the Sheffield Shield and the Marsh One-Day Cup, delivering top-notch cricket action. But if you’re after a more fast-paced experience, the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder light up the BBL with thrilling T20 matches. Picture festive summer evenings with a buzzing crowd and non-stop action. The cricket season runs from October to April, with the BBL providing a spectacular show from December to February.
Where to watch: Catch all the cricket action at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and ANZ Stadium. The SCG hosts both domestic and international matches, offering a historic and exciting venue for cricket fans. Public transport is free with a ticket to the game. For ticket information, visit the SCG website.
Football (Soccer)
The teams: Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers compete in the A-League, Australia’s premier soccer competition.
The league: The A-League runs from October to May and features teams from across Australia and New Zealand. The league showcases both local and international soccer talent.
Where to watch: Sydney FC plays home games at Allianz Stadium, while Western Sydney Wanderers play at Bankwest Stadium. Both venues provide fantastic atmospheres and are easily accessible by public transport. For tickets, check out the Sydney FC website and the Western Sydney Wanderers website.
Rugby League
The teams: Sydney is a rugby league powerhouse, home to multiple National Rugby League (NRL) teams: Wests Tigers, Sydney Roosters, St. George Illawarra Dragons, South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers, Parramatta Eels, Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles, Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs.
The league: The National Rugby League is Australia’s top rugby league competition, with a season running from March to October.
Where to watch: NRL games are held at various venues across Sydney, including Allianz Stadium, ANZ Stadium, and local grounds like Leichhardt Oval and Brookvale Oval. For schedules and ticket information, visit the respective team websites.
Rugby Union
The team: The NSW Waratahs represent New South Wales in Super Rugby, an international rugby union competition.
The league: Super Rugby features teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, running from February to July. It has previously included teams from Argentina, Japan, and South Africa.
Where to watch: Home games are held at Allianz Stadium, offering a great venue for rugby fans. For tickets and schedules, visit the NSW Waratahs website.
Other major sporting events
Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race: This iconic sailing event starts in Sydney Harbour every Boxing Day and finishes in Hobart. It’s a major highlight on the sporting calendar, drawing spectators and participants from around the world.
Sydney International Tennis: Held annually at Sydney Olympic Park, this event attracts top tennis players from around the world and is a key warm-up tournament for the Australian Open.
Where to watch sport if you can’t attend the games
If you can’t make it to the stadiums, Sydney has plenty of sports bars where you can catch the action. Popular spots include Henson Park Hotel, Beach Road Hotel and Public House Petersham.
You can also live stream games on platforms like Kayo Sports, Stan Sport and through league-specific apps and websites. Major broadcasters such as Channel 7 and Fox Sports regularly air live sports, ensuring you never miss out on the excitement.
