With a bigger hosting team and even more to watch, including free matches for non-subscribers
After record viewership for Optus Sport in season one of streaming the UEFA Champions League and with more than 700,000 subscribing accounts, the 2019/20 tournament is set to return this month alongside a host of new content.
With Premier League already underway, and the return of the Champions League and Europa League, Optus Sport will show 120 live matches in September including mouth-watering clashes between Napoli v Liverpool, Atletico Madrid v Juventus and PSG v Real Madrid in the Champions League as well as a big headline match between Chelsea and Liverpool in the Premier League.
Title holders Liverpool will look to win a seventh European title with the same core group that won it all in Madrid less than three months ago. They are in Group E, considered an undemanding group with Napoli the hardest opponent. The toughest group may be that of Group F, which includes Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and Slavia Prague.
“We had our most successful season ever across 2018/19 and broke many customer engagement and viewing records, and we anticipate the season ahead to be even bigger,” Optus’ Head of TV and Content, Corin Dimopoulos said.
As the excitement builds for the return of the UEFA Champions League, Optus Sport announces a new free* viewing offer and a brand-new show, as well as confirms a broadcast team that includes some of Australia’s best football talent.
FREE ACCESS TO PREMIUM CONTENT
Optus Sport is giving Australians a taste of Optus Sport by providing free access to select matches of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Across matchday one, the feature match between Napoli and defending champions Liverpool will be free to watch on Wednesday September 18, as well as Paris v Real Madrid on Thursday September 19 and Wolverhampton v Braga on Friday September 20 (subject to change).
Customers can either download the Optus Sport App on their compatible device (mobile or tablet) via the App Store/Play Store or visit the Optus Sport website (sport.optus.com.au) to simply start watching (data charges apply).
“We are encouraging all Australians who are yet to try Optus Sport to download the App or visit the website so they can enjoy select coverage of our world class European football for free,” Mr Dimopoulos added.
BIGGER OPTUS SPORT HOSTING TEAM
In addition to hosts Richard Bayliss and Mel McLaughlin, and key talent Mark Schwarzer, Michael Bridges, Jules Breach and Kelly Somers, Optus Sport will again call upon a wealth of football experience in its coverage.
Regular contributors Thomas Sorensen, John Aloisi, Paul Okon, Luke Wilkshire, Craig Moore and Ned Zelic will this season be joined by some of the game’s strongest female voices.
After a successful stint hosting Optus Sport’s Women’s World Cup coverage, Amy Duggan and Niav Owens will join the presenting roster, while pundits including Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson, Amy Chapman and Georgia Yeoman-Dale will also appear on Optus Sport’s coverage.
Optus Sport will also welcome a new contributor in Kevin Muscat, who will make his debut on the brand-new show Scores on Sunday on Sunday September 15.
“We are proud to have some of the best names in Australian football on Optus Sport, and after our Women’s World Cup talent shone across our tournament coverage, continuing our relationship with them throughout this season was a no-brainer,” said Richard Bayliss, Optus Sport Executive Producer.
WELCOME SCORES ON SUNDAY
Reflecting even further investment in football coverage in Australia, Optus Sport will unveil Scores on Sunday - a dedicated 90-minute football show covering the ins and outs of football both nationally and internationally.
Hosted on rotation by Mel McLaughlin, Richard Bayliss, Niav Owens and Amy Duggan, the program will air live from 8am (AEST) until the end of the Premier League season on Sundays, across all Optus Sport platforms.
It will include regular guests such as John Aloisi, Michael Bridges and Mark Schwarzer, while adding new talent such as Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson and Amy Chapman.
“When viewers wake up, they will be able to see the big results from around the globe, whether Premier League, across continental Europe or here in Australia,” added Mr Bayliss.
“We’ll also be discussing all the overnight issues with a great variety of guests both in the studio and joining us from various parts of the world, in addition to original stories and a range of new segments, which will make for an enjoyable 90 minutes.”
The inaugural show this Sunday will be hosted by Bayliss and Mel McLaughlin, and feature John Aloisi, Mark Schwarzer, Michael Bridges and Kevin Muscat.
Watch Optus Sport on the big-screen via Fetch, Apple TV, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV or Xbox, or via tablet, mobile, desktop or laptop.
Optus Sport is available as an optional extra on eligible Optus plans for no extra cost, or for Optus prepaid customers, a $10 Optus Sport Add On is now available. Non-Optus customers and Optus customers ineligible for a monthly subscription may subscribe to Optus Sport for $14.99 per month.
*Data charges apply. Available on App (latest version of App required) and web only. Personal viewing in Australia. Fair Go Policy applies. Streaming quality dependent on device, service provider and internet speed.
