Australian streaming service Stan Sport has acquired the rights to UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and newly formed UEFA Conference League.
Under the terms of the three-year agreement, the Nine Entertainment-owned subscription streaming platform’s coverage will kick off on 12 August with the UEFA Super Cup when Chelsea take on Villarreal.
“Today’s multi-year partnership announcement with UEFA reflects Stan’s commitment to bringing premium sports to Australian fans,” said acting Stan CEO, Martin Kugeler.
“Since Stan Sport launched in February, we have been delighted with the way Australians have taken up the service. The addition of the UEFA club competitions, including the UEFA Champions League, represents a unique strategic opportunity that will continue the momentum for Stan Sport and aligns directly with the Nine group sports strategy.”
Stan Sport, which replaces existing rights-holder Optus Sport, stepped in to take over the contract after Sports Flick was unable to secure the financial backing to support its $60 million bid for the UEFA club competitions.
The over-the-top (OTT) streaming service launched an offer for the UEFA Champions League, among other tournaments, in March, which took the market by surprise. However, it has since been forced to withdraw the bid.
Kugeler added: “Featuring the most outstanding players in the sport, the UEFA Club Competitions bring together the best clubs for more than 400 matches of world-class football. We can’t wait to showcase the most prestigious club football tournaments in the world and we thank UEFA for its trust in Stan to deliver their iconic football products to Australia.”
