AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan says a suitable venue is the only barrier to playing a game in China for premiership points in 2017.

Port Adelaide announced earlier this week it had signed a memorandum of understanding to stage a match in China.

McLachlan said while a ground had been found, getting the arena in the required condition was difficult.

"The venue is the issue. If we could solve the venue, I'd say it's 100 per cent (chance of playing in China in 2017)," McLachlan told SEN on Saturday.

"There's a big stadium up there that has challenges, because there's a track around the outside."

The Power is not willing to give up a home game at Adelaide Oval for the venture overseas. However, they want to retain the rights a home team would typically have.

Port recently signed a three-year sponsorship agreement with Chinese developer Shanghai Cred.

It comes in the wake of the club streaming two of its matches into China – in round three against Essendon, and its round five clash against Geelong.

The game against the Cats will be available to watch live for viewers in China.