Optus Sport has kicked off the new year by securing the exclusive Australian rights to Japan’s J.League competition for three years, effective from the 2020 season.
The top division of Japan’s Professional Football League is one of the most well-regarded national leagues in Asia. This year’s competition commences on February 21 and is the first major Asian football acquisition for Optus Sport.
Optus Sport has also revealed customer numbers continue to grow, announcing 825,000 active subscribing accounts, as the streaming service begins its biggest year ever.
Across other metrics year-on-year, Optus Sport has had a strong increase in the number of games in its live portfolio, while its customers have also increased overall engagement with more minutes watched, a higher reach across live viewership and an increased reach across Optus Sport social media platforms.
Specific highlights include:
More than 10 per cent increase in number of games streamed on Optus Sport year-on-year;
Greater than 30 per cent increase in minutes watched on Optus Sport year-on-year;
Greater than 30 per cent increase in the live viewer reach year-on-year;
An 11 per cent increase in the aggregate reach (live plus on demand) of the season’s highest Premier League match (season to date);
Southampton v Manchester United has been the most watched match from the 2019/20 Premier League season (to date);
Optus Sport daily social reach has increased by 12 per cent year-on-year
After a strong year of growth, acquisition of the J.League now delivers Optus Sport with a year-round content schedule of premium international football and provides live content for customers closer to prime time.
“We’re excited to be announcing the acquisition of the J.League rights as we commence our 2020 campaign, and to really solidify our position as the home of the best football from around the world,” Optus’ Head of TV and Content, Corin Dimopoulos, said.
“We are also pleased to see steady subscriber growth of Optus Sport over the last year. We are particularly proud to be streaming our content to 825,000 active Optus Sport subscribing accounts.
“This year is going to be our biggest year yet; with the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, FA Women’s Super League, J.League and UEFA Euro 2020 all appearing live and on demand on Optus Sport.”
The J.League commences in February and will run through until November, with up to four matches per round made available live and on demand to Optus Sport viewers.
After guiding Yokohama F Marinos to an historic J.League championship last season and becoming the first Australian coach to achieve the feat, Ange Postecoglou will be looking to defend the title this year.