Optus Sport Lands Australian Broadcast Rights To K League

Optus Sport has announced the acquisition of the Australian broadcast rights to South Korea’s top division of football, the K League.

The deal will see Optus Sport become the first Australian broadcaster to resume live major football, with the K League starting back up this week, while almost every other major sport around the world remains suspended due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

Optus director of sport, Richard Bayliss, said the deal will see Optus Sport air two matches live and on demand from every round of the K League 1 division, which has five influential Australians competing, including reigning ‘golden boot’ winner, Adam Taggart.

“I know I’m not the only one who’s 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 we’re really excited about,” Bayliss said.

“In light of COVID-19, we have faith in South Korea’s capability to start the K League while respecting societal requirements to keep players and the wider community safe.

“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 Jeonnbuk in the season opener on Friday evening will be fantastic,” he said.

Along with Taggart and Antonis, Australian representation in the K League’s top-flight is strong with Brandon O’Neill, Jason Davidson, and Rashid Mahazi.