ViacomCBS considers A-League rights to boost Paramount+ launch in Australia

ViacomCBS is reportedly mulling a bid for domestic rights to Australia’s top football league ahead of launching Paramount+ in the country.

The streamer will launch in Australia in August as a rebranded version of SVOD 10 All Access. Sports has formed a core part of the streamer’s offer in the US and now it is reportedly looking at doing the same in Australia. 

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, ViacomCBS is eyeing the A-League and W-League rights, which are currently held by Foxtel until the end of June. 

The league does not have much of a following outside of the country, but will be a significant get for ViacomCBS as it looks to corner the Australian market.

It is no sure bet that ViacomCBS will secure the rights however. The report also notes that Stan Sport is looking to boost its portfolio, while existing rights holder Foxtel could launch a bid through its Kayo Sports subsidiary. 

Paramount+’s existing portfolio of sports rights includes 300 games per season from Argentina’s Liga Profesional de Fútbol and 360 from Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.