Record Optus Sport statistics backed up by immediate A-League Women support

Liam Watson
-League Women - Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers season 2023-24
Image credit: Mark Metcalfe

Following the memorable FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, supporters have already started to show that crowd and viewing numbers won’t dwindle down.

Optus Sport revealed their data and insights from the tournament, where they were the only place to see all 64 matches. During the four weeks of the World Cup, viewing figures and social media numbers rose at a considerable rate.

In a Women’s World Cup that saw the Matildas finish fourth, Optus Sport captured the substantial ratings generated.

Below are the findings as per Optus Sport:

  • Coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 delivered the highest total minutes streamed for a tournament in Optus Sport history – up 30% from minutes streamed for UEFA Euro 2022.
  • Biggest month ever in Optus Sport history for total minutes streamed – up 17% on previous record.
  • On average, Optus Sport customers watched more than 21 hours of FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 coverage, with 75% viewing on TVs.
  • Three FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches are now in Optus Sport’s top five games of all time in terms of minutes streamed, with nine FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 matches now in the top 20 overall.
  • Over 100 million video views across all social platforms throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
  • Over 4000 pieces of content created/published throughout the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
  • Optus Sport social platforms reached approximately 3.6 million Australians.
  • More than 400 articles covering the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 published throughout the tournament, achieving the highest ever monthly engagement in Optus Sport history, with 7 million reads.
  • Optus Sport FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 Google Web Stories for the Matildas matches against France and England are the highest viewed Google Web Stories recorded in Australia.
  • Optus Sport experienced the biggest sign-up day ever in Optus Sport history.

Based on the start to the A-League Women’s season for 2023/24, the above numbers and figures are not a fluke.

After an off-season that saw Brisbane Roar, Canberra United, Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC all achieving their highest membership numbers ever, fans have begun to flock to games in a similar vein.

In opening round, Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets was the record for the highest attendance for a standalone regular season Liberty A-League game, but that number was surpassed in the very next match by a Sydney FC v Western Sydney Wanderers derby that welcomed 11,471 fans to Allianz Stadium.

This will build a fantastic platform for the Liberty A-League – one that features penalty-taking hero Cortnee Vine running around for Sydney FC each week.

Not only that, the relaxed atmosphere of matches will allow young fans to look up to their favourite players and get them aspiring for bigger and greater goals.

Clive Dickens, Optus VP Television, Content and Product Development, stated that Optus Sport will be continuing to drive the positive momentum and shine the light on the women’s game going forward:

“Optus Sport continues to invest in – and be a champion of – football in this country,” he said via media release.

“And the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 served up some of the most incredible action we’ve ever seen; to have this played out across Australia and New Zealand and to see the crowd’s reaction to these amazing athletes has been truly incredible.

“We are dedicated to growing women’s football – and football more broadly – in Australia. The results reinforce the audience’s appetite for our best-in-class content strategy that brings world-class commentary and access-all-areas content that you can’t get anywhere else.

“We’ll continue to shine a light on the world’s best footballers, including our very own Matildas Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Steph Catley, Mary Fowler, Alanna Kennedy, Clare Wheeler, Courtney Nevin, Lydia Williams, Teagan Micah, and Mackenzie Arnold.”

Sources:

  • QuickSight analytics, total minutes from all matches in OS history.
  • Emplifi, total video views across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube from July 20 to August 20, 2023
  • QuickSight analytics, total minutes streamed and paid account reach from July 20 to August 20, 2023
  • Google analytics and Apple News, total article views and unique reach from July 20 to August 20, 2023
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Celebrating Ability Workshop Scheduled for December

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Image credit: Football Victoria

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.

Alvaro Logistics Teams Up with Macarthur Bulls

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Image credit: Macarthur Bulls FC

Macarthur Bulls FC has confirmed the beginning of a two-year strategic alignment with Alvaro Logistics Group, who will join the Club as a Senior Partner.

Under the agreement, Alvaro Logistics Group will serve as the official back-of-short sponsor, with its logo prominently displayed on the Bulls’ Isuzu UTE A-League Men Home and Away kits.

Alvaro’s support highlights a shared dedication to growing the game and creating positive opportunities within the community. Through this partnership, the club will engage more closely with locals, support programs that nurture participation and talent, and champion initiatives that bring fans closer to the heart of the club.

Founded in 1978, Alvaro Logistics delivers Contract Management and Warehouse Solutions through a custom-built fleet, offering tailored services that drive fast, effective results. Their expertise is proven through long-term collaboration with clients across industries such as steel, FMCG, plumbing, and container handling, supported by comprehensive distribution facilities.

Mario Alvaro, Director of Alvaro Logistics Group, stated that the company is proud to join forces with a club that embodies its values.

“Macarthur Bulls FC represents the heart and ambition of South West Sydney,” he said via press release.

“As a local business, we’re passionate about giving back to the community that’s supported us for so many years. Partnering with the Bulls allows us to contribute to programs that inspire the next generation and bring people together through football.”

Mark Jensen, Chief Commercial Officer of Macarthur Bulls FC, said the partnership represents mutual interests to driving meaningful growth and impact in the region.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Alvaro Logistics Group to the Bulls family,” he said via press release.

“Alvaro Logistics Group are a proudly local business with deep ties to South West Sydney, and their support will help us continue growing football from the grassroots up. This partnership is about more than sponsorship – it’s about investing in people, community, and opportunity and supporting a team the is truly invested in its South West Sydney.”

Through their joint efforts, they will foster participation, support regional development, and deepen the bond between the club and its supporters.

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