In a significant development for sports fans, existing Optus Sport customers are set to receive discounted pricing for watching the English Premier League matches. This comes after the transfer of broadcast rights from Optus Sport to Nine's Stan Sport streaming service.
Stan will begin airing football content from August 1, coinciding with the shutdown of Optus Sport and ending its nine-year run. The new Premier League season is scheduled to kick off on August 16. However, it remains uncertain whether any football content will be broadcast on Nine's free-to-air channels at this stage.
The deal involves Stan paying an up-front fee of $20 million to Optus Sport and contributing towards the first payment for the next Premier League rights cycles.
Nine CEO, Matt Stanton, said:
"The Premier League is the most-watched football league on the planet, and alongside the FA Cup, this acquisition reinforces Nine's position as the home of sport in Australia. We are proud to deliver these iconic competitions to Australian audiences through Stan Sport."
More than just Premier League
The agreement also encompasses more than just English football. It includes broadcasting rights for FA Cup games, Japan's J.League and even extends across continents with rights over US National Women's Soccer League matches.
Under this agreement, loyal customers who remain with Optus telecommunications will be provided discounted pricing from Stan. Existing customers can expect detailed information and special offers in the coming days aimed at ensuring a smooth transition process.
Optus CEO Stephen Rue explained that this decision aligns with their strategic shift towards focusing more on core operations in telecommunications while maintaining commitment towards their customers and unlocking further value for their business in its future trajectory.
Continued access to UEFA Women’s Euro 2025
Despite these changes, existing Optus Sports customers need not worry about missing out on other major tournaments. They will still have access to broadcasts of the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament which commences on July 3rd.
This move signifies a new era in sports broadcasting as companies continue adapting their strategies according to market dynamics and customer preferences. For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts, this transition promises to bring more exciting content at potentially lower costs, making the beautiful game even more accessible.
