Optus Sport reveals diverse talent line-up for UEFA EURO 2020 and Copa America 2021 tournaments

Optus Sport has unveiled its international line-up of on-screen talent, to complement its coverage of the best players on the planet competing in the UEFA EURO 2020^TM and Copa América 2021 football tournaments.

Starting this weekend, Optus Sport will exclusively broadcast 79 international matches across 31 days, and subscribers can expect a world class standard of coverage and punditry out of live studios in Sydney and London, along with pitch-side analysis across Europe.   

Extensive 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 complemented 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 an imposing 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 Mr 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 Mr 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^TM kicks-off live on Optus Sport on the June 12, with Copa America commencing on June 14.

OPTUS SPORT PROGRAMMING

8pm AEST – Live on TikTok with Claudes

9pm AEST – Euro 2020 Warm-Up

10:30pm AEST onwards – Match Coverage

7:30am AEST – Euro Brekky Wrap

OPTUS SPORT TALENT

Hosts: Richard Bayliss, Niav Owens, Jules Breach and Claudio Fabiano.

Studio and pitchside guests: John Aloisi, Thomas Sorensen, Michael Bridges, Mark Schwarzer, Luke Wilkshire, Heather Garriock, Amy Chapman, Kevin Muscat, Craig Moore, Paul Okon, Ned Zelic, Scott McDonald, Mark Milligan, Carl Robinson, Emile Heskey, Sue Smith, Wes Brown, Gaizka Mendieta, Karen Carney and others.

Reporters: Adriano del Monte, Alicia Ferguson, Max Rushden, Max Merrill and Ollie Geale.

Here’s how you can watch UEFA EURO 2020^TM and the Copa America in June and July on Optus Sport - and the full schedule with Australian times.

HOW TO WATCH OPTUS SPORT IN AUSTRALIA

Optus customers can get Optus Sport at no extra cost as part of almost every Optus mobile, home internet, 5G home and data SIM plan. Non-Optus customers can subscribe for $14.99 per month, or for a limited time, get our new 3-month plan for $29.99 or an Annual Pass for $99 for 12 months*.

Watch Optus Sport on the big-screen via Fetch, Apple TV, Android TV compatible Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Apple Airplay, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, Samsung Smart TV’s** or desktop, or on-the-go via tablet, mobile, or laptop.

*Subscriptions renew automatically until cancelled.

**The Optus Sport app is available on Samsung TV models from 2017 and onwards via software update.

Media enquiries:

Optus Corporate Affairs

(02) 8082 7850

media@optus.com.au