Football fans across Australia are set for a major change, with Nine Entertainment confirming it has secured the rights to stream some of the world’s biggest football leagues. From next season, matches from the English Premier League, the FA Cup, Japan’s J. League, and the National Women’s Soccer League will be available on Stan Sport, Nine’s sports streaming service.
This development follows Optus Sport’s decision to exit the sports streaming market after nearly a decade, marking the end of an era for many Australian viewers. Optus Sport will cease operations completely on 1 August 2025, after broadcasting the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 tournament, which kicks off on 3 July.
A Power Move for Stan Sport
The Premier League, often described as the world’s most-watched football competition, will now form a key part of Stan Sport’s growing collection of sports content. The platform already provides coverage of international events like the UEFA Champions League, Wimbledon tennis, Super Rugby, and the British & Irish Lions rugby tour.
Matt Stanton, CEO of Nine, described the agreement as a major milestone for the network.
“We’re excited to deliver one of the most iconic football leagues to Australian audiences through Stan Sport,” Stanton stated. “Our goal is to create a home for sports fans, and this latest addition takes us closer to achieving that.”
The reported $300 million deal includes a $20 million upfront payment from Stan to Optus, as well as an arrangement where Optus will contribute $40 million annually towards the overall yearly rights fees.
Optus Sport Exits After Nearly 10 Years
Since launching in 2016, Optus Sport has been a popular destination for football fans, offering coverage of major tournaments including the Premier League, UEFA competitions, and FIFA World Cups. Its coverage of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia, was seen as a major achievement for both the platform and women’s football.
Optus CEO Stephen Rue expressed pride in the company’s contribution to sports broadcasting.
“Over the years, we’ve brought some unforgettable football moments to millions of fans across Australia,” Rue commented. “While our time in sports streaming is coming to an end, we remain proud of what we’ve achieved.”
The company’s decision to step back from the sports content market reflects the rising costs of broadcasting rights and the highly competitive environment among streaming services.
After nine incredible years, we’re blowing the full-time whistle at Optus Sport.
The Premier League, Emirates FA Cup and more will move to Stan from 1 August.
The team here at Optus Sport have enjoyed every moment producing world-class content for football fans in Australia and… pic.twitter.com/E6JPkqt0xG
— Optus Sport (@OptusSport) June 29, 2025
Foxtel Faces Stronger Competition
Stan Sport’s acquisition of football rights puts it in direct competition with Kayo Sports, the streaming platform operated by Foxtel. Kayo currently holds key rights to major Australian sports such as the AFL, NRL, and cricket. With the Premier League now shifting to Stan Sport, the battle for streaming subscribers is expected to intensify.
To ease the transition for existing customers, discounted Stan Sport subscriptions will be offered to Optus Sport users who maintain their telecommunications services with Optus. Additional promotions will be available for those who already subscribe to both platforms.
The first major football fixture under Stan Sport’s new rights deal will be the FA Community Shield match between Liverpool and Crystal Palace on 11 August. Full coverage of the Premier League season begins with the opening weekend of matches starting 16 August.
Domestic Football to Stay on Paramount+
The shake-up in international football rights will not impact the broadcast of Australian domestic competitions. The A-Leagues, as well as matches featuring the Matildas and Socceroos, will continue to be available on Paramount+ and Network 10.
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Broader Industry Impact
Industry experts believe this development is part of a growing global trend where streaming platforms are investing heavily in live sports to attract new subscribers. As competition heats up, viewers can expect better access to sports content, but possibly more fragmentation as events are divided between different services.
Sports analyst Jordan McKenzie suggests the Australian sports streaming market is entering a new phase.
“The days of one-stop-shop sports coverage are over. With services like Stan Sport and Kayo battling for premium content, viewers have more options but may need multiple subscriptions to watch all their favourite competitions,” McKenzie explained.
Football Fans Face a New Future
The closure of Optus Sport and the transfer of major football rights to Stan Sport signals the beginning of a new chapter for fans. Nine Entertainment’s latest move reflects a strong push to become the leading destination for global football coverage in Australia.
With access to the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA premier Champions League, and more, Stan Sport is positioning itself as the platform of choice for football fans eager to follow both club and international competitions.
The upcoming season promises to deliver not only world-class matches but also a new viewing experience for Australians, as the country’s sports streaming landscape continues to evolve.
