The Australian Football League (AFL) sparked controversy by announcing that Snoop Dogg would perform at halftime during the 2025 Grand Final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Critics have linked the $2 million booking to a promotional campaign for an Amazon Prime docuseries, as reported by the Daily Mail. This decision has divided fans and raised concerns about the AFL’s values, as well as Snoop Dogg‘s controversial past.
Entertainment reporter Peter Ford discussed on 3AW Breakfast that Snoop Dogg’s performance connects to a 2026 Amazon Prime docuseries about the AFL Premiership season, produced by the same team behind “F1: Drive to Survive.” Ford suggested that this decision prioritises global exposure over Australian football traditions, stating, “It will attract international attention for the docuseries, despite the backlash.” Critics have voiced concerns about the AFL’s commitment to respecting women, referencing Snoop Dogg’s past lyrics, as noted in the Herald Sun.
Brendan Fevola is very confident that the AFL will 'cancel' Snoop Dogg's grand final performance amid claims of hypocrisy in the wake of the Izak Rankine homophobic comment saga.
Rankine was suspended for four matches for making a slur.
DETAILS: https://t.co/YxiD5ft0Yv#afl… pic.twitter.com/Ezr4Z5gjId
— The Roar (@TheRoarSports) August 25, 2025AFL CEO Andrew Dillon defended the choice to feature Snoop Dogg, emphasising the rapper’s current global prominence despite historical controversies. Dillon stated, “We cannot vouch for every lyric.” The $2 million deal forms part of the broader $1.2 billion AFL broadcast market, aiming to attract 100 million viewers worldwide. Meanwhile, former player Brendan Fevola suggested that Snoop might be replaced by a local act as discussions about the backlash intensify, even as support grows for the rapper, who has 81 million followers.
AFL Grand Final headliner Snoop Dogg has sparked fresh controversy after making comments about same-sex parents on an American podcast.
It comes a day after league boss Andrew Dillon defended Snoop Dogg. @NathanJCurrie #9News pic.twitter.com/f3kjwnNdGg
— 9News Melbourne (@9NewsMelb) August 22, 2025The controversy follows Snoop’s recent backlash over comments on LGBTQ+ content, amplifying scrutiny of his public image. The Amazon series, expected to reach 200 million viewers, aligns with a 15% rise in sports docuseries viewership. In Australia, where AFL generates $2 billion annually, the choice risks alienating fans, with 60% in a Fox Sports poll favouring homegrown artists like Tones and I.
