Good. I refuse to pay Optus for anything.
Taking this on also requires the huge rights fee for EPL which is loss making. So it would be a big investment for none but would make Stan sport a compelling proposition with EPL and then the UEFA club comps as well.
Nine don’t seem to be slowing down in expanding Stan and acquiring sports.
Paramount global again asleep at the wheel. You think they’d do anything to get the EPL.
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Such a deal does not necessarily mean Stan will automatically inherit the existing football broadcast rights Optus currently have.
That would be good. Pairing the EPL with the UCL and Rugby on one service
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So is Optus considering getting out of Streaming? 
Well Stan does need some more big boppers sports wise. EPL won’t hurt. As long as they don’t increase the price.
Get the A-League and Australian football, and bring back Santo, Sam and Ed. A cracking night.
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Yes it would. They have the EPL until 2028, if they sell the streaming service then Stan would get the EPL until it expires. Why the hell would they buy the service if the rights don’t transfer over.
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You would think that Optus wouldn’t be fielding offers to sell their sports division without knowing that the EPL rights in particular could transfer to a potential buyer.
Having said that, Johnson does have a point. A few years ago when Spark NZ offloaded their sports rights to TVNZ, there were a few rights (namely the UEFA club competitions) that couldn’t transfer due to how those rights agreements were structured. The same issue could arise in relation to any of the competitions Optus has rights to.
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It could complement their local Football offering nicely, but there would be multiple considerations there - it’s reportedly a loss leader for Optus currently and that’s with the communications company charging on average 2-3 times more per month than Paramount+ is charging and they have a more rounded content offering with entertainment etc.
Paramount+ also have a much lower entry price point to watch live sports at only $6.99 / month for the with ads plan, so that would need to be reviewed whether it’s sustainable to keep offering it at that level with a possible expanded offering.
They’d only be interested if they could see it beneficial in the long run and the proposition of increasing their long term subscriber base.
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Stan Sport is holding a French Open competition for its subscribers, with the major prize being two tickets to both men’s semi finals at Roland Garros on June 6, plus return flights, five nights accommodation and $1000 spending money.
To enter the draw, visit this website and build a profile of your ultimate tennis player. Entries close 5pm AEDT on February 8.
This is from terms and conditions.
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS
SPORT
Director of Stan Sport Ben Kimber, joined by Michael Atkinson, Morgan Turinui, Renee Gartner, Matt Burke, Andrew Johns, Jeff Fenech and Tyson Pedro unveiled an outstanding 2025 sports lineup – promising to bring fans even closer to the action. More than just live coverage, Stan Sport is continuing to expand its storytelling with exclusive interviews, bespoke shows like the recently announced rugby program Inside Line, and a compelling slate of docuseries, capturing the full entertainment ecosystem of sport and celebrating the moments and stories that unite fans everywhere.
The British & Irish Lions headline a monumental year for rugby in Australia
For the first time in 12 years, the British & Irish Lions will return to Australia in 2025, uniting the finest players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for a landmark series against the Wallabies. As one of the most prestigious events on the global rugby calendar, the tour promises to captivate fans with thrilling matches across the country, showcasing the pinnacle of international rugby.
Major Partnership Announced: PFL coming to Australia
Stan Sport has partnered with the world’s fastest growing MMA organisation, the PFL (Professional Fighters League) to bring PFL to Australia*,* a top-tier MMA league giving the best fighters in the country a platform on the global stage. Set to become the biggest MMA league in Australia & New Zealand, the first PFL event in Australia is coming soon to Stan Sport.
Tyson Pedro’s Boxing Debut in Nowhere to Run
Former UFC superstar Tyson Pedro will make his long-awaited boxing debut at Nowhere to Run, as he steps into the ring to battle the undefeated Taimoor Khan for the WBC International Bridgerweight title in Pedro’s hometown of Penrith. LIVE and ad-free for Stan Sport subscribers next week on Wednesday February 26, Nowhere To Run will also feature Aussie boxing standout Jackson Jon England and the ex-NRL hulk Alex Leapai Jr on the card.
2025: A Landmark Year in Sports on Stan
This year marks a thrilling chapter in the world of sports. The Super Rugby Pacific 2025 season is set to redefine excellence, with Australia and New Zealand’s top teams battling it out. Joseph Suaalii, the former NRL superstar now leading a reinvigorated NSW Waratahs, is among the standout talents vying for Wallabies selection ahead of the eagerly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour. This lineup is alongside the iconic Bledisloe Cup, the elite Six Nations, and the high-octane World Rugby Sevens series.
Showcased alongside rugby, Stan will continue its unparalleled coverage of global sporting events, including every match of the UEFA Champions League, as Europe’s top football clubs chase ultimate glory. Tennis fans can look forward to an incredible year with comprehensive coverage of all four Grand Slams - the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open - bringing the sport’s biggest stars to Australian screens. Everything revealed today, underscores Stan’s commitment to delivering the best in sports, making 2025 a defining year for fans everywhere.
Stan Director of Sport Ben Kimber said: “Stan Sport has set new standards in sports broadcasting, not only with our marquee events, but also our deep commitment to the sports we broadcast every week. Over the last 18 months, we delivered the most comprehensive coverage ever of two of the world’s biggest sporting events – the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics – the pinnacle of world sport. In 2025, we’re bringing fans even closer to the action and telling stories beyond the scoreboard. Every week we bring rugby, football, tennis and a range of other sports to life for our customers across Stan and the Nine network. Our aim is always to deliver the most immersive, innovative sporting offering, and this year’s lineup is no different as we will once again be raising the bar. New boxing stars, as well as the British and Irish Lions and the Winter Olympics just around the corner. It’s a huge year ahead.”
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THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS HIGHLIGHT A HUGE YEAR OF RUGBY ON STAN SPORT
Wallabies superstar Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the 2025 Lions Tour jersey
February 18, 2025 - Stan today highlighted that 2025 is set to be a massive year for local rugby, with the highly anticipated British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia - a landmark event that only comes around every 12 years - kicking off in June after an electrifying Super Rugby Pacific season
A resurgent Wallabies off the back of the Spring Tour has only increased the anticipation around the world’s biggest and most in demand rugby tour, with the nine games against the Wallabies and Super Rugby clubs taking place across six capital cities. More than 40,000 overseas fans will make their way to Australia to cheer on the Lions.
This current Super Rugby Pacific season doubles as a tryout for the tour, with Australian coach Joe Schmidt keeping a close eye on the performances of the Aussie stars who are pushing their case for a Wallabies berth.
And it was some triumphant Aussie sides to kick things off, with debuting superstar Joseph Suaalii helping the NSW Waratahs secure a thrilling victory, while the ACT Brumbies and Western Force similarly picked up nail biting wins in round one. The QLD Reds will get their account underway this Friday.
After the Lions Tour, the action doesn’t stop - with The Rugby Championship and Bledisloe Cup commencing in August, as the Wallabies take on South Africa, Argentina, and arch enemies the All Blacks as they attempt to regain the Bledisloe Cup.
The World Rugby Sevens also continues until May, with the defending champion Aussie women looking to go back-to-back, and the men hoping to make a push for the podium in 2025.
The 2025 British & Irish Lions jersey
Joining the Super Rugby Pacific coverage this year is Wallabies and NSW Waratahs legend Matt Burke, the most-capped fullback and the second-highest scorer in Wallabies history. Burke was not only a key part of the 1999 World Cup-winning Wallabies squad, but also the 2001 side which conquered the British & Irish Lions.
Also new to the team is Cameron Shepherd, a notable fullback and winger for both the Wallabies and Western Force, and Alicia Lucas (née Quirk), a gold medal-winning star of the women’s rugby sevens side from the 2016 Rio Olympics.
They join the best minds in the game, with coverage hosted by Michael Atkinson and Nick McArdle, and featuring Wallabies greats Tim Horan, Morgan Turinui, Justin Harrison, James Horwill, Mat Rogers and dual international star Allana Ferguson, with the famous voice of Sean Maloney calling every minute of the action of the Australian clubs games.
The Super Rugby Women’s season also kicks off on Friday February 28, with an injection of World Rugby Sevens stars to add to the excitement. Charlotte Caslick, superstar sisters Teagan and Maddison Levi and more have put their hand up to take part, pushing their claims for a place in this year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup side.
In addition to coverage of every match, Stan Sport’s huge lineup of rugby programming is back with plenty of entertainment, and a new addition to keep fans engaged all week long.
- Monday: Between Two Posts with Sean Maloney, Morgan Turinui & Matt Burke and James Horwill.
- Tuesday: Between Two Posts Extra with the BTP crew and special guests.
- Wednesday: Inside Line *NEW with Michael Atkinson and Justin Harrison, joined by guests including rugby stars Tim Horan and Mat Rogers, and Sydney Morning Herald journalists Iain Payten and Tom Decent.
- Thursday: Rugby Heaven with Michael Atkinson, Tim Horan and Cameron Shepherd.
- Friday: The Call Up with Nick McArdle and various talent.
Stan Sport is the only place to watch every match of the Super Rugby Pacific, British & Irish Lions Tour, Bledisloe Cup, Six Nations, World Rugby Sevens, The Rugby Championship, Shute Shield, Hospital Cup, Currie Cup, Premiership Rugby, and New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship, plus every match of Super Rugby Women’s, Wallabies and Wallaroos test series’ and more.
INSIDE THE STORM: A PORTRAIT OF ONE OF THE GREATEST COACHES IN NRL HISTORY**
A STAN ORIGINAL DOCUMENTARY
Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm showcases the NRL’s Melbourne mastermind in a whole new light.
Stan** today announced that the Stan Original Documentary Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm will premiere March 9, only on Stan.
Filmed over the course of the 2024 NRL season, the feature-length documentary takes fans inside the Melbourne Storm’s inner sanctum, offering an unprecedented access with the club and its highly lauded leader, coach Craig Bellamy. Amid a season that featured stunning highs and heartbreaking lows, the documentary peels back the layers of Bellamy’s persona, revealing the man behind the fire - more than the emotion-fuelled figure often seen in the coach’s box.
The documentary features interviews with fellow legendary coaches in Tottenham football manager Ange Postecoglu and Collingwood Magpies head coach Craig McRae, in addition to NRL Immortal Andrew Johns. Also starring are NRL journalist and former coach Roy Masters, and Storm superstars such as Cameron Munster and Harry Grant, Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm was created from 913 hours of filming, offering a coaching masterclass.
Having coached for 23 seasons - 22 of which ended in a Finals campaign - Craig Bellamy has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest leaders in NRL history. With five Grand Final victories and a record seven Dally M Coach of the Year awards (as of 2025), his impact on the game is undeniable. But beyond the stats and silverware lies the true mystery: how has he consistently transformed ordinary players into champions - both on and off the field - at a level unmatched in any Australian sport?
Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm not only pulls back the curtain on his coaching secrets, but also on his guarded personal life, showcasing a man who belies the tough coaching persona fans are familiar with, and shares the challenges he overcame to get to where he is today.
Craig Bellamy says: “It has been a privilege to be able to tell my story with Stan. Whilst it was a new experience for me, I’m looking forward to the fans seeing another side of not only myself, but the Melbourne Storm organisation as well.
“I’m also looking forward to not having Doc the camera operator following my every move as we head into another NRL season in 2025!”
Stan’s Chief Content Officer Cailah Scobie, says: "Craig Bellamy is not only one of the greatest coach of the NRL era, but his unrivalled achievements in rugby league cement him as one of the greatest coaches in all of Australian sport.
"It has been a privilege to be granted the access to go behind the scenes of his life to not only uncover the secrets behind his coaching success, but to get to know the man behind the coach.
Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm is created by acclaimed Melbourne production company Whooshka Media, directed by Adrian Brown (The Test, The Outsiders) and Scot Edwards (Stan Original Documentary Series Show Me The Money, Making Their Mark), and produced by Adrian Brown and Greg Sitch.
The project received major production investment by Stan, and was financed with support from VicScreen. Stan Executive Producers are Cailah Scobie and Amanda Duthie.
The Stan Original Documentary Revealed - Craig Bellamy: Inside the Storm will premiere March 9, only on Stan.
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‘We’re the best growth partner out there’: Stan Sport gets in the ring
Stan held a showcase event in Sydney on Tuesday afternoon, where (Ben) Kimber revealed that Stan Sport has partnered with the world’s fastest growing mixed martial arts organisation, the PFL, ahead of its local launch. Moments before announcing this to the room, he explained to Mumbrella how the deal – as with all its sporting rights partnerships – is a result of years of groundwork.
“The PFL Australia has been a partner of ours with some of their overseas content for a couple of years now,” Kimber explains. “And they’re making some really, really big moves internationally, and it’s going to arrive here in Australia at the end of the year.”
Stan is leaning into the fight game, with former UFC superstar Tyson Pedro making his boxing debut in a fight broadcast live and ad-free for Stan Sport subscribers next Wednesday – a move away from the traditional pay-per-view model into one that rewards streamers.
“Boxing in Australia needs the right support for the fighters to give them a platform to build,” Kimber reasons. “Not everyone’s a pay-per-view star out of the box. We really see ourselves as partners with people – we’re not out there trying to sign every single boxing talent out there, but looking for the right talent that we think has something special – and then partnering with them to grow them. And Tyson Pedro certainly fits that.”
Because of this approach, and Stan Sport’s unique position within the Nine family, Kimber said the streaming service tends to avoid “going hard after a lot of sports [rights]”, instead looking for sports that he believes Stan can uniquely benefit. But, at the end of the day, it also has to make business sense – which isn’t always a given for sporting rights deals.
STAN SPORTS MARCH HIGHLIGHTS
UEFA Champions League Round of 16
Exclusive & Ad-free.
Kicks Off March 5
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Super Rugby Pacific
Rounds 4 - 7
Every Match. Ad-free. Live & On Demand.
Six Nations
Rounds 4 & 5
Every Match. Ad-free. Live & On Demand.
Hong Kong Sevens
Starts March 28
Every Match. Ad-free. Live & On Demand.
The Hong Kong Sevens will be played for the first time in the new 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium in Kowloon, which opens tomorrow night. It is located at the north western part of the old Kai Tak Airport.
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The Australian is reporting that Stan Sport is on the verge of securing the broadcasting rights to the English Premier League.
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SMH also reporting they want F1.
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You have to wonder how Nine will pay for the F1 rights given it only recently renewed its rights deal with Rugby Australia, plus its outlays to the Australian Open tennis and the Olympics over the next seven years.