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More than 100 jobs in doubt under Optus EPL deal with Nine's Stan

The telco is set to shutter Optus Sport if it closes a deal for the EPL with Nine, putting more than 100 jobs in doubt.

John Buckley
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The rights transfer from Optus to Nine is set to bring an end to the Optus Sport streaming platform, and has thrown into doubt between 100 and 120 roles dedicated to the service. AP/Dave Thompson.

Optus is set to review more than 100 roles tied to its sports streaming service as it finalises a deal to offload coveted rights to the English Premier League to Nine Entertainment's Stan.

The imminent rights transfer is expected to lead to the closure of the Optus Sport streaming platform, which is built almost entirely around its English Premier League coverage, employs more than 100 people and has operated since 2016.

Optus staff are not currently a factor in the negotiations, according to people briefed on the discussions not authorised to speak publicly. However, it is possible some key personnel may go to Nine after a deal is finalised.

“We do not comment on individual staffing matters,” an Optus spokesperson told Capital Brief. Nine declined to comment.

Capital Brief last week reported that Nine and Optus were closing in on a deal for the Premier League rights, with mounting industry expectation that Nine would promote its upcoming coverage of the popular league during the British and Irish Lions rugby tour, which begins this weekend.