If you’re a Fox Sports supporter like me, you’re not going to like this much – but there is a small light at the end of the tunnel (and this article).
Optus has once again elected to purchase the exclusive rights to broadcast the English Premier League in Australia.
Commencing from August of 2019, the lucrative contract will last for a total of three seasons and includes exclusive live coverage on Optus Sport for all 380 Premier League matches, and full on-demand, highlights, replay and short form rights.
“One of the great things about Australian football fans is their passion for the sport, and we’re elated to extend our Premier League broadcast rights for another three seasons. This shows our long-term commitment to provide exclusive premium content and our transition to be a multi-media entertainment provider. Fans have shown that they love what we are doing in bringing the best club competition in the world to Australia and we look forward to taking it to the next level over the next four years.” Optus CEO Allen Lew commented.
This announcement comes after the EPL broadcast rights were plucked from Fox Sports’ hands back during 2015 in a reported 50m dollar deal, breaking the hearts of thousands of Football fans holding Fox Sports subscriptions, myself included.
Previously, customers of rival telcos were excluded from watching the coverage. However on this occasion, Optus has announced that it will provide a subscription service via an app on the Google Play and App Store.
The price will be set at $15 a month which will give full access to the EPL coverage and, importantly, provide non Optus customers with an opportunity to watch the games
On top of its EPL rights, Optus has also announced its acquisition of further exclusive rights to broadcast the FIFA World Cup which is to commence in just over a month’s time, once again solidifying its position as the home of Elite International Football in Australia.
BUT! If you’re not an Optus Sport subscriber never fear! SBS has retained the rights to broadcast a total of 25 games throughout the World Cup, including one live match per day, including the opening match, all Australian matches, four matches from the round of 16, two quarter finals, both semi-finals and the final.
It seems as though a new era for the beautiful game in Australia has begun – and the changes in the media and sports landscape continues.
