Should neither Channel Nine nor Channel Seven purchase the free-to-air component of the A-League television rights from Football Federation Australia, Fox Sports will ensure the competition reaches a free-to-air audience by screening games on Channel 10.

Fairfax Media understands the two broadcasters are close to reaching an agreement for a joint long-term partnership to televise the A-League. The proposal will see the high-profile Saturday-night fixtures televised live on Channel 10 or its affiliated digital channels in tandem with Fox Sports, who will retain their exclusive live broadcasting rights for the remaining timeslots.

"Negotiations continue with interest from all parties on the free-to-air deal," an FFA spokesperson said.

The free-to-air broadcaster for the next six seasons will not likely be known until April, once the television rights for the Big Bash League cricket are sold. Channel Nine are expected to make an aggressive bid to purchase the rights.

Sources suggest a deal between Fox and Channel 10 is regarded by the FFA as a good fit for the A-League. The network's popularity with younger demographics is regarded as a strong selling point given Australian football's strongest growth market in the 16-39 age group.

Should the partnership come to fruition, it will involve some further payment from 10 but the overall cash windfall is unlikely to rise much beyond the $57.6 million annual cheque the FFA will receive from Fox for the next six years. It would not be a popular move among the 10 A-League clubs, who have already expressed their disenchantment over the first financial instalment of the new TV deal that came in at a lower value than expectations.

It's understood the clubs are displeased with the ongoing uncertainty over their annual grants as part of the new broadcast deal, with some calling for a significant increase from $2.6 million to $6 million next season – providing them with the overwhelming majority of the broadcast fees. The FFA are also yet to sell the international broadcast rights for the A-League.

While the financial windfall will likely remain uncertain for another three months, A-League clubs can begin budgeting playing rosters for next season with the near-certainty of the salary cap. Clubs have been informed of a proposed salary cap of $2.928 million, an increase of more than 12 per cent of the current figure.

Should the overall value of the TV deal increase with the sales of the international and free-to-air rights, any increase to the 2017-18 season's salary cap will be minimal.

Clubs will be able to enter the transfer market with increased confidence of signing high-profile players with the FFA set to confirm a major increase of the A-League Marquee Player Fund. The money set aside to financially assist clubs pursuing big-name players will triple next season, rising to $3 million which can be accessed by any club looking to sign a player who raises the profile of the competition. A fund of $1 million was introduced this season, about half of which was used to help Melbourne City sign Tim Cahill.