Optus has secured the live broadcast rights for cricket’s Women’s Big Bash League 2016/17 season.
The rights agreement will see Optus broadcast live 47 matches of league on Optus Sport 2 via the Optus Sport App and through Yes TV by Fetch.
Eligible mobile, mobile broadband and home broadband customers with an Optus Sport subscription will be able to watch all of the Women’s Big Bash League matches live, plus replays of the remaining 12 matches, as well as accessing classic matches, extended match highlights and in-depth game analysis.
Under the offer, customers can get Optus Sport for just $15/month on selected plans $30 and above (minimum cost over 12 months is $540 on $30 mobile plan).
{loadposition peter}And, Optus Sport is included at no extra cost on selected plans $85 and above (minimum cost over 24 months $2,040 on $85 mobile plan).
Ben White, Managing Director of Marketing and Product at Optus says the Women’s Big Bash League is a “great addition to Optus Sport”.
“We’ve made sure fans don’t miss out on any of the cricket action this summer by adding a 24/7 channel to Optus Sport. As part of our exclusive content partnership with Cricket Australia, eligible customers can live stream this summer’s cricket data-free on their mobile when accessing the Cricket Australia Live app through Optus Sport.”
In addition to its support of the Women’s Big Bash League, Optus says it is expanding its sponsorship of the Melbourne Stars, becoming the principal partner of both men’s and women’s teams.
The deal with the Womens Big Bash league follows the first season for Optus as the Official Mobile Media Partner of the Melbourne Stars Men’s team, which saw the side in their first “Big Final” after four previous semi-final finishes.
“Optus is keen to build on our successful partnership with the Melbourne Stars, by aligning our involvement with the Stars’ vision of ‘One Club: Two Teams.’ To become a partner of both the men’s and women’s sides is a natural progression for us,” White says.
“There is some incredible talent in the team and we are extremely pleased to announce that Meg Lanning joins fellow Stars Kevin Pietersen and Glenn Maxwell as Optus ambassadors who will feature in our upcoming marketing campaigns this summer.”
Melbourne Stars chief executive, Clint Cooper, acknowledged the support of Optus and said was pleased to see the partnership grow.
“Optus has been a fantastic principal partner, and we are thrilled to have them on board for the WBBL season as well.
“It’s another exciting year for the club, and we’ve got some of the best players in the world ready to showcase their talent across Australia, thanks to Optus our fans won’t have to miss a minute of the action all summer long.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen incredible growth for women’s cricket, and we’re lucky to have a partner in Optus who were open to seizing the opportunity to support women’s sport. Optus are leaders in innovative sponsorships and we’re proud to have them on board,” said Cooper says.
The partnership sees Optus featured prominently on both match and training uniforms for the BBL and WBBL teams as well as ground signage and activation opportunities at matches, plus player appearances to support the partnership.