In a proposal sent to its clubs, the HDFNL said it would partner with Supayou Live Sport Streaming service to bring senior football matches to fans in the comfort of their own home.
Fans would be able to access games via a “pay per view” initiative.
HDFNL chairman Peter Cole said the option being discussed would benefit clubs and fans.
“What we're looking at if we can play this year, but without any crowds, is a system where people could log in, pay a yet-to-be determined minimum fee with their credit card and be able to watch their team on a live streamed game,” Cole told Australian Community Media.
“If the fee was in the $5 to $7 mark and you get 400 to 500 people watching a game there's the chance for clubs to still generate some match-day income this year.
“On the figures we've got, a run-of-the-mill home game for a club on a Saturday generates a gate of $4000 to $6000, which is effectively matched in terms of the food and drink takings as well.
“So, what we're trying to do for the clubs is if they aren't going to have any supporters at the ground and they lose that match-day income is try to get some cost effectiveness back for them, particularly in regards to the salary cap.
“At the moment we've asked our clubs to get feedback from their members regarding this proposal if there are to be no crowds, so that's where we're at with it.”
The competition’s salary cap also looks set to be cut in half to $65,000 under an AFL recommendation, although that figure could still fall depending on much of the season is played.
If each team was to play just eight games that figure would then fall to $32,500.
“Our recommendation to AFLCV is we support what has been proposed by the AFL in regards to the salary cap reduction,” Cole said.
“If we can get 500 people to pay - 250 from each club - $5 to $7 for a live streamed game, that would go a long way to helping the home club cover their salary cap for the day.”
Other than the live streaming services, the HDFNL has asked its clubs for feedback on the finals format, latest date the grand final should be played, playing into October, whether clubs are prepared to play without crowds and how much lead-in time for a season would be required.
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