Optus Sport has appointed supply-side platform Magnite to build out its digital video advertising capabilities.
As part of the investment, brands and agencies will be able to programmatically advertise on the Optus Sport platform, bringing it in line with other popular BVOD services.
“Digital Video Advertising has always been a focus for Optus Sport and we are now well established with a strong core audience of passionate sports lovers, boasting over 870,000 active subscribers, making us the number one sports streaming platform in Australia,” says Optus VP, TV, content and product development Clive Dickens.
The development comes as BVOD continues its rapid growth. According to OzTam, over-the-top broadcast-video-on-demand (OTT BVOD) services have grown 331% between 2015 and 2020.
“We’re excited to partner with Optus Sport as their preferred sell side partner (SSP),” says Magnite Australia MD James Young.
“Working extensively with Australian broadcasters, we’re well-positioned to provide the Optus Sport’s huge premium audience with a top-notch viewing experience, while providing brands with an excellent branding opportunity alongside premium and engaging programming content.”
Optus has invested in developing both the technology, and a specialised team that will roll the platform out, with Jimmy Kerr appointed to lead the newly formed digital video sales team as national ad sales manager.
Kerr joins Optus Sport team after nearly nine years at Seven West Media where he held a number of senior sales leadership roles, most recently as one of Seven’s digital group sales managers working on AFL, NFL and the Olympics.
“I’m thrilled to be joining Optus Sport at such an exciting time for the brand,” Kerr says.
“There truly is nothing like live sport - the excitement it drives and the close connection with fans is something that offers huge impact and value to brands.”
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