Twenty20 cricket team Melbourne Stars has signed Optus as its principal partner and the club's official mobile media partner, following the "swift departure of the Star's former principal partner, electronics retailer Dick Smith," according to Asha Barbaschow of ZDNET. The telecom will "step in immediately" for the remainder of the Big Bash League Five season and will "stay with the Melbourne-based team for a further two years." As part of the deal, Optus holds branding assets including a "prominent logo" on the Stars' playing jersey and training gear, signage, as well as activation opportunities at matches and player appearances. Building on the telecom's existing partnership with Cricket Australia, "eligible customers of Optus will be able to stream BBL matches live via their Cricket Australia Live Pass" (ZDNET, 1/6). MUMBRELLA reported a spokesperson for the team said there were "a number of expressions of interest from sponsors following news of the vacancy breaking, however, Optus came forward with a long-term commitment." The telecom has proved an "aggressive mover in the sports market in recent months, taking the rights to deliver digital broadcasts of live games and exclusive content to its subscribers" (MUMBRELLA, 1/6).
