Optus Sport has unveiled its international line-up of on-screen talent, to complement its coverage of the UEFA EURO 2020 and Copa América 2021 football tournaments.
Starting this weekend, Optus Sport will broadcast 79 international matches across 31 days, and subscribers can expect coverage and punditry out of live studios in Sydney and London, along with pitch-side analysis across Europe.
Optus Sport line-up matchday hosting will be led by Richard Bayliss and Niav Owens, with all games given its own live studio programming pre, halftime and post-match.
Match coverage will be complimented by two daily shows – Euro 2020 Warm-Up hosted by Claudio Fabiano at 9pm (AEST), and a morning highlights and discussion show Euro Brekky Wrap at 7.30am (AEST) with Jules Breach, Mark Schwarzer and rotating guests, overlooking Westminster Abbey in London.
Expert analysis and insight will come from a list of former players, including Socceroos legends Mark Schwarzer, John Aloisi, Craig Moore, Kevin Muscat, Luke Wilkshire, Scott McDonald and Mark Milligan, along with former Matildas Heather Garriock, Alicia Ferguson and Amy Chapman. The all-star cast includes former Denmark captain Thomas Sorensen, ex-England players Michael Bridges, Emile Heskey, Wes Brown, Sue Smith and Karen Carney, and former internationals Carl Robinson of Wales, Spaniard Gaizka Mendieta, and Portugal’s Luis Boa Morte.
Reporters Adriano del Monte, Ollie Geale and Max Merrill will bring viewers access within stadiums and host cities to capture the unique colour and atmosphere of the tournament.
Richard Bayliss, Optus Sport’s director of sport, said the team are stepping it up when it comes to providing around-the-clock coverage and insight, from a diverse panel whose experiences, and perspectives will form a unique view across both tournaments.
“We’ve got a huge line-up of hosts, reporters and ex-players to provide real-time coverage and in-depth analysis across both EURO 2020 and Copa América 2021,” said Bayliss.
“We’re always striving to be as representative of our audience as we can, which means having people from diverse backgrounds and from both the men’s and women’s games providing their views on the game.
“The beauty of events such as the Euros is that so many cultures combine to create an incredible experience, and with on-air team members that have backgrounds from Italian or Maltese, to German or Jamaican, we will proudly represent such diversity within our coverage.”
In a digital first for Optus, Optus Sport will partner with TikTok, allowing content creator Claudio Fabiano to be let loose on one of Optus Sport’s fastest growing social platforms using some of the 1,488 hours of tournament content.
Optus’ head of TV and content Corin Dimopoulos, said the team are ready to deliver a world-class viewing experience for Optus Sport customers.
“We know 2.2 million Australians were born in the participating nations at EURO and Copa, and by taking into account first- and second-generation Australians, this rises to 11 million,” said Dimopoulous.
“In times of COVID, being able to emotionally connect with ethnic homelands through the excitement of major sporting events is something we feel customers will dearly appreciate.
“The next month will also be the closest thing fans can experience to a FIFA World Cup, with the best players from Europe and South America swapping their club colours to play for the honour of their home nation.
“We’re poised to witness the next chapter of those huge International football rivalries, which is rarely seen in a FIFA World Cup. Think Spain v Portugal, England v Scotland, Germany v Netherlands and of course Brazil against Argentina, which I’m sure will unlock another level of passion.
“The Optus Sport team have been working hard behind scenes to ensure we deliver a world-class viewing experience and will be working around-the-clock for the duration of both tournaments.”
Optus Sport have also delivered a star-studded programming line-up to complement their broadcast, with a variety of hosts both in-studio and overseas to keep fans informed and entertained throughout the tournaments.
UEFA EURO 2020 kicks-off live on Optus Sport on the June 12, with Copa America commencing on June 14.