Gather Round will remain in South Australia for the next three years, with a deal signed until the end of 2029.
The successful football festival began in 2023, growing each year into the powerhouse it has become.
The AFL will need to consider the 2028 edition and beyond once Tasmania enters the competition, and which club will sit out of Gather Round.
SA premier Peter Malinauskas is keen to introduce a Friday players parade, in which 10 stars and their senior coach will be involved in an event, allowing fans and supporters to be up close to stars of the competition.
The new deal will provide SA the ability to build a new stadium at the McLaren Vale as a new regional ground.
The 2023, 2024 and 2025 Gather Rounds generated a combined economic impact of more than $285 million and attracted over 132,000 interstate visitors, reinforcing the event's status as one of the country's most successful major sporting events.
It is understood part of the announcement was meant to be the extension of State of Origin football for the next two years, but workings between the state governments have momentarily delayed the confirmation.
The return of representative football was welcomed by players and fans, and an SA team wants to be included.
WA hosted the VICs in February and is set to take on SA next year in Western Australia.
In 2028, SA is expected to face the VICs, 29 years since their last clash in 1999.
More to come.
