Australian Football League side Brisbane Lions is in negotiations with the Tasmanian Government to sell a home AFL Women's game next season, according to Andrew Hamilton of the Brisbane COURIER-MAIL. The Lions "stand to reap" A$100,000 ($76,200) from the deal "which would see a game shifted from Brendale to York Park in Launceston." The Kangaroos’ bid for an AFLW license this week "was made in partnership with AFL Tasmania and would involve a hybrid team training and playing games in Hobart, Launceston and Melbourne." The Tasmanian Government sees the deal with Brisbane "as a way to increase interest in the women's competition" ahead of the club's potential entry in '19. The Lions played three games at home and four on the road in the inaugural AFLW season but are "set to receive four home games for next season." The Lions women’s program "ran at a financial loss in its first year" but the unbeaten run to the Grand Final and the open and "enthusiastic nature" of the players has "greatly increased" its corporate appeal. Brisbane expects to make "significant sponsorship announcements in coming months and if the deal with Tasmania is locked away will make a profit from next season" (COURIER-MAIL, 6/18).
