‘We’re not a content business, we’re not a media company’: Optus Sport reaping the benefits of EUROs ahead of final
As the world waits in anticipation for Monday morning’s EUROs grand final, Optus Sport has been winning over more and more Australians thanks to the iconic football competition.
England will go head to head with Spain at 5am AEST on Monday, after an incredible tournament that has had plenty of twists and turns.
Speaking to Mumbrella, Clive Dickens, vice president, TV, content and product development at Optus, said the tournament, as well as the COPA America competition, has been huge for the company.
“It allows us to really connect with lots of different segments and audiences,” Dickens said.
“There’s over 40 nations represented across the Copa America and Euro Championships and in an increasingly diverse Australia, with, I think. 700,000 new Australians coming in on skilled Migrancy visas last year alone.”
Dickens continued: “We’re not a content business. We’re not a media company. We’re using exclusive premium spot streaming to differentiate and provide some value back to our customers.”
It comes after Optus Sport also acquired the rights to the FA Cup for next year just last week, with the English Premier League already in its kit as its main attraction.
Dickens said the group is more focused on “keeping the proposition” on football, rather than trying to take on the other Australian streaming services.
“We don’t directly compete with the fantastic products that come out of Kayo and Fox Sports,” he said.
“We don’t directly compete with the amazing coverage that our free to air broadcasters give sports… but it’s really important for our increasingly diverse customer base to have this passion for the beautiful world game.”
Is it finally coming home for England? We’ll all find out on Monday morning.
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Neil Griffiths is the Managing Editor of Mumbrella. He joined the company in October 2023.
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One thing not covered off is the repeated price rises; in the space of 3 years it’s gone from a product inclusive of Champions League and Free for Optus customers to $6.99 minus CL and now $9.99 at the same time as price hikes for Optus phone and internet products.
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I am a Optus customer not by choice but because Optus is the only way to see premier league and euro 2024 and Copa America in Australia, we ( the customers) pay price for the subscription and still we are forced to see your disgusting adds about gambling and junk food, why?
It is a pay per view subscription
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Great user experience.
And the consistency of the soccer prop in an otherwise complex world of changing sports rights adds to that easy user experience.
Perhaps the coverage could do more to bring in the passion of the different fan communities (of nations and clubs) around Oz. Since we’re united in being over here when it’s all taking place over there.
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Very very disappointing with what has happened to a very lovely person.
She has covered many stories with poise and empathy.
Watch Channel 7 always, it’s now time I watch the 7.00 news on channel Win.
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