Optus Sport, the subscription streaming platform of the Australian telecoms group, has secured domestic rights to English football’s FA Cup matches under a multi-year deal. This move marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting rights in Australia.
Previously, FA Cup rights in Australia were held by media giant Paramount. Paramount aired games on its Paramount+ OTT platform and Network 10 commercial television network. However, starting with the 2024-25 season, Optus will take over as the primary broadcaster for this prestigious tournament.
The new deal ensures that Optus will provide live and exclusive coverage of matches from the first round in November through to the final at Wembley in May next year. The streaming service’s agreement will commence with coverage of the 2024 Community Shield between Premier League champions Manchester City and FA Cup holders Manchester United at Wembley on August 10.
Enhanced viewing experience for fans
In addition to live streaming coverage, Optus Sport plans to offer subscribers replays and extended highlights - enhancing viewer experience significantly. This comprehensive package aims to cater not only to hardcore soccer fans but also casual viewers who might miss out on live matches due to time zone differences or other commitments.
Optus's acquisition of FA Cup rights is not their first venture into English football broadcasting. In recent seasons, they have also shown the Women’s FA Cup matches and held rights to the English Women’s Super League until the end of the 2023-24 season.
This continued investment signifies their commitment towards promoting women's football alongside men's games - contributing positively towards gender equality within sports broadcasting industry.
FA Cup now hold big value in international market
Internationally too there have been changes regarding broadcast rights for this esteemed cup competition. Disney-owned US sports broadcast giant ESPN recently extended its FA Cup rights deal in America for another four years while domestically (UK), TNT Sports obtained the main rights to the cup competition from 2025-26 earlier this year. They also agreed on a sublicensing deal with the BBC, the UK's public-service broadcaster, in May.
The acquisition of FA Cup rights by Optus Sport marks a new era for soccer broadcasting in Australia. With their commitment to providing comprehensive coverage and promoting women's football, they are set to offer an enhanced viewing experience for sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike. As global trends continue to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact viewership and engagement with one of football’s most prestigious tournaments.
