As live sport around the world continues to be affected by COVID-19, Optus Sport is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Australian rights to South Koreas K League for 2020, starting this week.
The K League is the top division of football in South Korea and becomes the second major Asian football acquisition for Optus Sport, after the J.League was secured in February this year.
The start of the K League season kicks off this Friday night in prime time when Suwon Bluewings take on Jeonbuk.
I know Im not the only one whos been staring longingly out the window waiting for live sport to return, so to bring the K League to viewers in such a friendly time zone from this weekend is something were really excited about, said Richard Bayliss, Optus Director of Sport.
In light of COVID-19, we have faith in South Koreas capability to start the K League while respecting societal requirements to keep players and the wider community safe.
Optus Sport will be airing two matches live and on demand every round from the K League 1 division, which has five influential Australians playing in the competition, including reigning Golden Boot winner Adam Taggart.
The Australian players are likely to be key to their clubs hopes and Suwon Bluewings pair Adam Taggart and Terry Antonis taking on reigning champions Jeonbuk in the season opener on Friday evening will be fantastic, Bayliss added.
Optus Sports loyal audience has been enjoying replays of classic matches, live trivia, and magazine shows during the suspension of live sport. From the start of March to 30 April 2020, the Optus Sport active base has retracted only 0.5 per cent to 820,000 activated subscriptions.
K LEAGUE OPENING MATCHES ON OPTUS SPORT
Friday May 8
8pm (AEST): Jeonbuk FC v Suwon Bluewings
Sunday May 10
5.30pm (AEST): Gangwon FC v FC Seoul
AUSTRALIANS IN THE K LEAGUE
Adam Taggart (Suwon Bluewings) The K League golden boot winner in 2019 with 20 goals. Played for the Socceroos at the 2014 World Cup and is one of Australias form strikers.
Brandon ONeill (Pohang Steelers) The Socceroos midfielder was one of the most influential Sydney FC players over a trophy-laden five years for the club until his recent move.
Terry Antonis (Suwon Bluewings) Formerly of Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, one of Australias most gifted midfielders of the last decade won the FA Cup last season with Suwon alongside Adam Taggart.
Jason Davidson (Ulsan Hyundai) The Socceroos left back played at the 2014 World Cup and was part of the Asian Cup winning side in 2015. Has played across Europe and is the son of great Socceroo Alan.
Rashid Mahazi (Incheon United) Former Melbourne Victory midfielder, who played in the Victorys 2015 Grand Final win.
HOW TO WATCH OPTUS SPORT IN AUSTRALIA
Watch Optus Sport on the big-screen via Fetch, Apple TV, Android TV compatible Smart TVs, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox or desktop, or on-the-go via tablet, mobile, or laptop.
While the rest of live sport is on hold, customers can still access a host of quality football, including archives of classic matches, season reviews and special features, a wide variety of shows as well as the newly announced K League matches from this weekend.
OPTUS CONTINUES TO SUPPORT CUSTOMERS THROUGH COVID-19
Optus has a range of options for customers affected by COVID-19 including tailored financial hardship support. We have boosted our customer service team with 500 new staff from industries affected by the COVID-19 and we have mobilised store staff to manage a range of different customer service queries.
Customers with non-critical issues are connecting with us through convenient digital channels the My Optus App, online at , and through the online peer support network .
Weve been actively using our social media handles and the My Optus App to share tips and keep people up to date with key information that is important to them while encouraging them to stay in touch with friends and loved ones via the A GDay A Day campaign. Our customers continue to be generous to those less fortunate by donating their excess data to the wonderful Donate Your Data program to support disadvantaged Australian children, during this challenging time.
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