Fox Sports' loss of the English Premier League TV rights "could benefit the value of the next A-League broadcast deal but that hinges on just one issue: the influx of marquee players," according to Dominic Bossi of the SYDNEY MORNING HERALD. According to independent media communication agency Fusion Strategy, Optus' purchase of the EPL rights from Fox Sports "may not be a blow for domestic football." The willingness of clubs and Football Federation Australia to sign high-profile players "could deem it an opportunity to increase the value of the A-League rights, which already out-rate the EPL." The initial view of Fox Sports losing the EPL "painted a gloomy picture for Australian domestic football with the FFA already amid negotiations for a new broadcast deal with free-to-air networks and the pay TV provider." However, Steve Allen of Fusion Strategy believes the "groundbreaking" purchase by Optus "sends sports broadcasting into uncharted territory that could raise the value of the A-League." Allen said, "I can see that argument very clearly. The counter-argument is that it's worth more. Foxtel needs to really back this more and fight hard not to give up another match to another broadcaster. The audience the A-League generates on average is far bigger than the EPL because it's in a time zone that's far more attractive." It "remains to be seen how Optus will use the EPL rights" purchased for more than $50M ($46M) though the absence of the most popular football league on Fox Sports could make more funds available for the A-League (SMH, 11/6).
FOX MOCKED: The SMH reported Fox Sports "is copping a relentless pasting" over its loss of the EPL broadcast rights with its Facebook page filling with comments poking fun at the pay-TV provider. Under each story posted on the Fox Sports Australia Facebook page -- which has more than 600,000 followers -- commenters "have mocked the broadcaster" by relating back to the "shock poach" by Optus, which outmaneuvered Fox to secure the EPL rights from Aug. '16. Under a story headed "Why Smith is no Ponting, Waugh or Clarke," the lead comment is "Steve Smith gave the captaincy rights to Optus" (SMH, 11/5).
