Nine eyes Optus Sport as Stan Sport expansion opportunity

Nine Entertainment is reportedly in discussions to acquire Optus’ sports streaming service, Optus Sport, as part of plans to strengthen its own Stan Sports platform.

This would include handing over the rights to the Premier League, which has been the main selling sport in Optus’ sports streaming subsidiary.

According to the Australian Financial Review (AFR), Nine initiated talks in December, while Optus has been seeking buyers for the service since late 2023.

Optus Shifts Focus Back to Core Business

Optus initially launched its sports streaming service to diversify revenue streams and complement its telecommunications offerings. However, the company has decided to refocus on its core operations and move away from content-based ventures.

In recent years, Optus Sport has opted not to renew broadcast rights for major competitions such as La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, reflecting a strategic shift towards cost-cutting and prioritising its core telecommunications business.

Additionally, the service has seen its subscription price increase from $14.99 to $24.99 over the past two years. Optus also introduced charges for its customers, who previously enjoyed complimentary access to the platform, further signalling its move away from subsidised content offerings.

Nine’s Strategy to Stay Competitive

Acquiring Optus Sport would enable Nine to secure key sports rights, including the English Premier League and FA Cup, while expanding its subscriber base.

This move comes as the Australian streaming landscape becomes increasingly competitive, with international player DAZN poised to enter the market.

DAZN, which recently acquired Foxtel in a AU$3.5 billion deal, is expected to make a significant impact when it launches locally later this year.

Stan Sports: Building a Robust Portfolio

Stan Sports currently holds the rights to premium events such as the Olympic Games, UEFA Champions League, and several rugby union and tennis properties.

Adding Optus Sport’s rights would bolster its offerings and help Nine contend with rivals like Paramount+, BeIN Sports, Amazon Prime, and free-to-air broadcasters.

Consolidation on the Horizon

Australia’s crowded sports media market is ripe for consolidation, with multiple players vying for lucrative rights deals.

Free-to-air broadcasters have maintained a strong foothold, supported by Australia’s anti-siphoning laws, which ensure key events remain available outside paywalls.

Conclusion

While Nine has declined to comment on the AFR report, Optus noted it routinely reviews its businesses to ensure they deliver value.

As the market evolves, this potential acquisition could be pivotal in shaping the future of Australian football broadcasting.

As it stands, the average Australian consumer requires at least four subscriptions to watch every European competition and each of the Top 5 leagues which remains a frustrating solution to legal broadcasts in the country.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Celebrating Ability Workshop Scheduled for December

The Celebrating Ability event will take place at The Home of The Matildas on Saturday, December 6.

The event promises an interactive day of learning and connection, featuring group workshops, the launch of Football Victoria’s new Disability Football Framework, and club education sessions with Aspect to promote inclusion across all levels of the game.

The Celebrating Ability event will offer a completely free, in-person opportunity for clubs to explore the space and take part in the celebration of the International Day of People With a Disability (IDoPWD).

The day will include:

Launch: Football Victoria will officially unveil its Disability Football Framework on December 3

Workshop: Clubs can learn how to start and run an All Abilities program

Education Session: Delivered by Football Victoria’s partners, providing practical guidance and support

Engagement: Attendees will gain insights from guest speakers and have the opportunity to connect with other clubs, coaches, and administrators

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025

Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm

Where: The Home of the Matildas, Sports Drive, Bundoora, 3083

Registration: Registration is required. Please use the link below to secure your place

This event offers an excellent opportunity for clubs across Victoria to engage, learn, and celebrate ability. Clubs are encouraged to share this opportunity with anyone who may be interested.

The Digital Playbook for Football Finance: Miagen’s Approach

Bringing Technology into Football Finance

Miagen, an Irish financial technology and analytics company, helps organisations plan and manage complex operations with data-driven solutions. Its SportsGen platform brings that same expertise into football, giving clubs the tools to manage their finances, optimise revenues, and stay compliant with regulations in an increasingly challenging environment.

Football clubs today are more than just sporting teams, they are multi-million-dollar businesses. To succeed on and off the pitch, they need accurate forecasting and clear insight into risk. SportsGen addresses this need by bringing together data from across a club’s operations into a single, easy-to-use system. It integrates ticketing, broadcasting, merchandise, sponsorships, and player contracts, giving club leaders a real-time view of their financial position.

By replacing spreadsheets and fragmented reports, SportsGen allows executives to see current and projected performance at a glance. Decisions about transfers, budgets, or commercial deals are based on data rather than guesswork. At the same time, finance teams spend less time on manual reporting and more time focusing on strategy and long-term planning.

Smarter Decisions and Revenue Growth 

SportsGen also allows clubs to model different scenarios. Managers can simulate the financial impact of wage changes, major transfers, or different league outcomes. Each scenario shows how income and spending would change, helping clubs understand the consequences of their choices before committing. This predictive capability is vital for clubs operating under financial fair play and other sustainability rules.

The platform doesn’t just control costs, it helps clubs grow revenue. SportsGen analyses matchday attendance, ticket pricing, merchandise sales, and sponsorship performance to spot opportunities and underperforming areas. Clubs can adjust pricing, design promotions, and maximise income, all while keeping their financial model stable and transparent.

With SportsGen, clubs can also plan several seasons ahead. Executives can forecast future wage growth, transfer spending, and commercial income to ensure alignment with long-term goals. Linking financial outcomes to sporting objectives allows clubs to grow in a disciplined, sustainable way, reducing the risk of overspending or breaking league regulations.

Financial Discipline Made Simple

SportsGen is essential for compliance and risk management. Football governing bodies have tightened rules on profitability and spending, and clubs need clear insight to stay within those limits. The platform continuously tracks key ratios, such as wage-to-revenue and debt-to-income, and sends alerts when a club approaches risk thresholds. This helps managers take action before problems arise, supporting long-term stability and stronger governance.

The system is highly adaptable, working for clubs of all sizes. Larger clubs benefit from its ability to scale across complex, global operations, while smaller clubs gain accurate, reliable financial control. Miagen’s experience in industries like aviation and logistics ensures that the platform can manage complexity while maintaining speed, accuracy, and accountability.

The rise of platforms like SportsGen marks a new era in football management. Finance, analytics, and technology have become central to how clubs operate. With accurate data and real-time forecasting, decisions can align sporting ambitions with financial realities. Miagen helps clubs stay competitive both on the field and in their financial management.

Conclusion

SportsGen represents a major step forward in football finance. It gives clubs the tools to manage revenue, control costs, comply with regulations, and plan confidently for the future. By combining technology, analytics, and financial expertise, Miagen helps clubs replace guesswork with informed decisions, supporting sustainable growth and long-term stability in a complex, high-stakes industry.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend