Tabcorp Holds Discussions Over Foxtel Acquisition
Tabcorp CEO Gillon McLachlan has engaged in preliminary talks with Dazn regarding a potential acquisition of Foxtel.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Public Companies
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Tabcorp, a company listed on the ASX, has entered into initial discussions with Dazn about the potential acquisition of Foxtel. The move follows Dazn's purchase of Foxtel from News Corporation 18 months ago.
Why it matters
The discussions reflect potential shifts in the media and wagering landscape in Australia as major players evaluate strategic assets. Tabcorp is currently exploring these possibilities following a recent improvement in its own financial performance.
Tabcorp recently reported a rebound in profit and revenue for the last financial year. These discussions occur roughly 18 months after Dazn initially acquired Foxtel from News Corporation.
The players
Tabcorp
Tabcorp is an Australian gambling and entertainment company listed on the ASX that offers wagering and media services.
Gillon McLachlan
Gillon McLachlan serves as the chief executive officer of Tabcorp and is a prominent figure in the Australian sports and business sectors.
Dazn
Dazn is a global sports streaming service that expanded its footprint in the Australian market through the acquisition of Foxtel.
Foxtel
Foxtel is a major Australian pay television company that provides a wide range of sports, entertainment and news programming.
News Corporation
News Corporation is a global media and publishing entity that previously held ownership of Foxtel.
The details
Tabcorp chief executive Gillon McLachlan led the preliminary talks with Dazn to discuss the future of the Foxtel business. The company has engaged Barrenjoey Capital Partners and Matthew Grounds to provide advisory services for its strategic planning.
Timeline
Dazn bought Foxtel from News Corporation 18 months ago.
Tabcorp reported a rebound in profit and revenue during the last financial year.
Market Landscape
This move follows a pattern set by the 2025 Foxtel acquisition by Dazn, as industry leaders continue to consolidate media assets in Australia. The potential deal highlights the ongoing arms race between wagering and media firms to secure dominant content positions.
For the average subscriber or customer, these discussions currently represent high-level corporate strategy rather than immediate changes to service pricing or accessibility. Any potential acquisition could eventually influence the integration of wagering and media platforms, but no consumer-facing impacts have been confirmed.
The takeaway
While these discussions suggest that Tabcorp is actively seeking growth opportunities, the outcome of these talks remains uncertain for the public. Investors and observers should monitor official ASX filings for any updates on formal agreements.
Further reading
For more information on market developments, visit the Public Companies section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Australian Financial Review.
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