GET MAD: EPL Coverage Is Only Gonna Be Available To Optus Customers

So in November, we reported on the settling of a huge deal for Optus, who gained the rights to all English Premier League coverage. 

Optus had gained exclusive rights to all online, televised and mobile broadcast of the EPL for three seasons, which was huge because previously, Aussie fans could only watch games by signing up to Foxtel. 

At the time, there was no firm details of how Optus would excise their rights over the league coverage, but a spokesperson did say, 

So, it’s come as a bit of a bloody shock today, when a press release has announced that the coverage will *only* be available to Optus customers. 

Subscriptions are available from $15 for Optus customers, and those wanting to watch EPL coverage must have a current mobile, broadband, or YesTV subscription. 

Outside of being an customer of the telco, Optus have sold the rights of one EPL game per round to SBS. According to Business Insider, they’ll also be looking to make deals with pubs to help pay back the $50+ million it spent on buying the rights.

SOOOOO, we’re all pretty irked, yeah? 

Surely you are just taking the piss @Optus? Noone can be that stupid thinking thats way to try to broadcast the #EPL.

— Shaun Curnow (@stkildathunda) May 3, 2016

Huge gamble by @Optus. Paid overs for #EPL rights and now desperate to convert into customers. Suspect they got the numbers wrong on this.

— Mike Tuckerman (@Mike_Tuckerman) May 3, 2016

Aren’t Optus just lovely folk? Only Optus customers get access to the #EPL. https://t.co/N7smPpt5Ly

— Ricardo Ascenso (@Ricky_A1) May 3, 2016

there’s just absolutely no chance i’m switching to Optus for EPL. sorry guys you bottled it. #aleague + BeIN enough for me on Foxtel.

— Vince Rugari (@VinceRugari) May 3, 2016

Optus screwed up big time.

— Christian Bertacco (@Tarco_Bell_Ski) May 3, 2016

Re the reaction to Optus and what they’re doing with EPL rights. Remember they’ll do similar with World Cup too. SBS only showing some games

— John Stensholt (@JohnStensholt) May 3, 2016

Well I won’t be watching the EPL next season thanks #Optus

— Special K (@SpecialKOnline) May 3, 2016

“While you’ll need to be an @Optus customer to get all the EPL action…”

Yeah, stick it up your arse tbh. Foxtel will do just fine.

— Neil Sherwin (@neilsherwin) May 3, 2016

Well aren’t @Optus just a bunch of pricks? Limiting @premierleague coverage to its customers. Extortion.

— Cameron Atfield (@CameronAtfield) May 3, 2016

And in typical Aussie fashion, many are calling that pirating will skyrocket (even more than it has already):

#EPL only viewable to @Optus customers. That really sucks for those of us in contracts with other providers! Pirating it is then ??????

— David Kennelly (@DavosKen) May 3, 2016

Let’s pray for those who had signed up to Foxtel just so they could watch EPL, but aren’t with Optus. You poor buggers.