The rise of women’s football – particularly since the 2019 World Cup – has been impressive. So much so, here in Australia Optus Sport has acquired the rights to show Barclays FA Women’s Super League (WSL), to compliment their Premier League coverage.
Which is great news. For fans, it simply means more football, right?
No. No, it doesn’t.
Because the truth is fans in Australia now have LESS access to WSL games than we already did.
Reports positioned it as Optus bringing WSL to Australia, and highlighted the growing appeal of the league as a product, but curiously omitted the fact that it would result in fewer games being available. This is despite Optus including it in their own media release, albeit as little more than a footnote:
As a result of Optus Sport securing the rights, live Barclays FA WSL matches on The FA Player will be geo-blocked in Australia as of November 17, 2019.
Yep. In securing exclusive broadcast rights Optus has blocked streaming on the official FA Player app in Australia. It had shown all games live and offered a (from experience, robust) Chromecast option so watching games on TV was quick and easy.
Optus, however, doesn’t show all games. It offers 2 live games per round and a packaged highlights show to cover the remainder. Which leaves consumers (viewers) with less, despite rights-holders making more money.
Part of the WSL’s growing appeal are the clubs: Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all have teams, which attract viewers across from the monster that is the Premier League. I’m interested in the WSL as a whole; but my focus and initial reason for watching is to follow Arsenal (for my sins).
The Optus deal means I can’t unless the Arsenal game is being shown – or I find a way around the geo-blocking.
And that raises questions about the real value in acquiring a league that leaves the genuine fans (and realistically, I don’t think we yet have casual WSL fans) unable to watch their team play live.
Especially when they could – free and legally – 10 weeks ago.
Financial support of the women’s game is great. The game will grow, and more investment means the professionalism and quality will increase, while the move of Australian players to the league will only lift its popularity here; as evidenced by Optus securing the rights.
Optus Sport has been a very welcome development for football coverage in Australia, and is being watched by the Premier League as they look at how best to capitalise on their asset moving forward.
But it rankles to see consumers lose out when business intrudes.