Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Yes - this is the fourth week of it.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Jake Humphrey will leave BT Sport on June 10th ahead of its rebrand to TNT Sports.

Laura Woods is rumoured to be lined up to become the main face of TNT Sports.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Why would you doubt it, Den?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Come on OB, it's Saturday night and we've all done this before.

The most obvious doubt is that constantly, time and again, when meaningful rights come up in the UK the "deep pockets" streamers are nowhere to be seen.

The EFL rights represented a huge opportunity to pin down week in, week out content. Over a thousand games per year for five years. Rights that would coincide with both the next Premier League and Champions League windows.

Yet Sky triumphed once again.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

You just have to "believe"…

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Now, not next...

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

l thought next was in 2035 or is that another one of your proclaimed dates.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

You’ve been saying that for the last 3 rounds of bidding for all major rights.

“This time next year we will be millionaires” as Del Boy used to say.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Maybe I was a little too cryptic. I meant that you keep talking about the present when I am clearly talking about the future. But as you say, this argument has been done to death. Response not necessary.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

But the previous times you’ve made this forecast were in the past, so the present is those previously forecasts future…

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Deep pockets DAZN have made a swoop for the majority of games in the Champions League… the Women’s Champion League.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Don't do that to me! My heart's not as strong as it once was! :D

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

So Eurosport 4K is back for two weeks on channel 523.

Sky viewers will get it but not day 1 which never appears on Sky.

Seems BT - now Warner Bros - customers will not be providing the channel to thier own customers.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

BT TV is still part of BT Group. It's BT Sport which is now part of the joint venture with Warner Bros Discovery.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

And provide the Eurosport channels and Discovery+ at no additional cost to their customers.

It could be added to BT Sports app or Discovey+ app - but no.

There is a trailer on the Discovery+ app announcing that TNT Sports will soon be added.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

The Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League finals will all be free to air on the BT Sport YouTube channel and app

Virgin Media customers can get free access via channel 532 on Tivo, 360 and stream

May 31st Sevilla v Roma
June 7th West Ham v Fiorentina
June 10th Manchester City v Inter Milan

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It been reported yesterday due to Sky Sports Main Event UHD broadcasting on Virgin Channel 532.

This years UEFA Finals will be shown in HD for everyone on Channel 524.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Funny how the broadcast news aggregator web sites are stating that this service will be on Virgin TV channel 532, even after it has appeared on channel 524. It's almost like they don't do any fact checking.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

VM clearly unable to react to extra time tonight - at 10.30pm the match was replaced with either a slate or caption on the pop up channel with 10 mins of extra time still remaining.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Ouch! that's not very good.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

And you are surprised,:(

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I didn't say I was surprised..

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Those who uncritically soak up the spin of Silicon Valley streaming sports should skip the penultimate paragraph.
https://www.ft.com/content/26833e1b-...7-6049b37375bf

---------- Post added at 14:56 ---------- Previous post was at 14:49 ----------

Is Viaplay viable?
https://www.ft.com/content/a899e14a-...7-69b961586f45
Company's own statement seems to be reproduced in this article: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023...-hits-viaplay/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Explains the constant Viaplay for £59 offer floating around (12 months).

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

do we know if virgin media will have the rights still to BT Sports/TNT Sports next year? is TNT sports a "new" company technically? how long is the existing vm/bt sports contract?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Current contract applies. Even some of the BT adverts about the changes state that the channels remain where they are.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Virgin Media are currently offering Sky Sports UHD on an introductory price of £3 a month for 18 months until June 25th

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Just got an email offering Sky sports uhd free for three months and £7 per month after. Cancel anytime.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

A big opportunity presents itself for the plucky upstart, deep pocket streamers as the PGA Tour, European Tour and LIV Golf plan a merger.

One could buy worldwide rights for the whole extravaganza and have almost weekly content in prime time in almost every time zone. Then offer it half price for 12 months when nobody buys it.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

They can friggin ram it!

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Oh dear! I thought it was quite a good deal. Is there any reason why I shouldn't take it?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

no reason at all the picture quality is very very good indeed with HDR too

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I suspect Max - like many sports fans - is disgruntled by the ever increasing prices across an ever increasing range of sports broadcasters.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Do you have a link to or screenshot of this please? I subscribed a few days ago and was charged £7 a month.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Spot on, jfman, spot on, it really angers me when I see the amount of cash some of these football players get, it's obscene imo.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It's a reverse Robin Hood!

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

So don't take up any sports channels , if people stopped the price will crash , it easy as that , not that it will happen :erm:

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Thats the free market for you unless one brings in a salary wage cap which would not even get past the first hurdle legally.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It’s not a free market at our end though. It’s a cartel.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

They were sending emails out if you're not subscribed to them, you won't have had the link to follow

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Indeed and nowt is likely to change that.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Ah I see, thanks.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Well, it won’t happen, will it? Sport is like a drug for a large section of the population.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I see the exclusive window for NBC and FOX to re-negotiate with WWE is over. Rumours that Amazon and now Disney will join discussions. If Disney gets it then it would be the network possibly moving to Disney+ eventually with weekly shows on FX.

Still NBC and FOX are favourites to keep the shows but i wouldnt mind disney plus getting it! even though this is in the USA i'd assume Disney would be keen to have the rights in other countries too

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Disney doesn't have a sports presence in the UK so I doubt they would be interested in UK rights.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Sky would still have the 4 week exclusive for Raw and smackDown until they have to agree again.

There is a ESPN Player for the Europe (including the UK). It costs £9.99pm for very little 'premium' live coverage - but has five streaming channels.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Sorry thought was my last line :confused:

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Thanks, I didn't know that.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Yes, Itshim, I was agreeing with you!!

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Sorry was not expecting that :D

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

She is leaving Talksport at the end of this month presumably to take the TNT job.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Martin Tyler is leaving Sky Sports after 33 years.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Sky Sports AXE half of their football reporting team

*Soccer Saturday maybe next to be drop by Sky Sports
*But all 11 channels to stay on air

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...ting-move.html

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

And here I thought they'd save megabucks just closing one linear channel.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Peter Drury will replace Martin Tyler on Sky Sports to cover the Premier League from the 2023/24 season

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

l suspect Tyler was pushed rather then quit at his own accord.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Apparently Martin Tyler contract wasn't renewed

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Martin's 77 years old so it's doubtful he'd have wanted to continue much longer

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Don Maskell, Murray Walker and Peter O'Sullivan continued well into their 80s.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

A legend!

Time will tell as Martin Tyler frequently does the international feeds for the Premier League and Champions League so it won’t be too hard to work out if he’s working less or whether he takes on more of those games.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Perhaps it's a money-saving thing resulting from the merger, so NBC and Sky don't have separate commentators?
https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2023...ts-microphone/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

think your right Den

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Jeff Stelling is in talks with Amazon and BBC Radio 5 Live following his departure from Sky Sports.

Amazon will start to show the Champions League for 3 years from Autumn 2024 alongside TNT Sports which would see Jeff lead the coverage if they came to an agreement

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It appears the same applies to Graeme Souness
https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/spor...ports-27109318

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

The last package structure which was rolled over for another three years was aimed at getting a streamer on board with a mini package of 20 games. Amazon picked it up for a bargain price so they've given up on that unpopular idea. Back to just two live broadcasters I reckon - Sky and TNT.

As to how much they'll get is anyone's guess. More games but will Sky and TNT want to splash out significantly more than they do at the moment? Both broadcasters are currently in cost-cutting mode. Sky will have the ability to share some coverage with its sister channel NBC Sport so extra games should increase its costs less than extra games for TNT will.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...nday-game.html

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Time for the deep pockets streamers to put up or shut up.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

With Warner Brothers Discovery over-burdened by debt and Sky Sports cutting costs, plus Openreach, the altnets and VMO2 rolling out Gb fibre like it's going out of fashion, now is definitely the best time for streamers like DAZN to step up or risk never being taken seriously.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

l think you know the answer to that.;)

---------- Post added at 12:42 ---------- Previous post was at 12:38 ----------

All companies are cutting their costs given the higher cost of doing things , the key is not passing on the full costs to their customers.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

'Geoff Shreeves quits Sky Sports after 32 years
[https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/footb...ports-30384466

Turned down the reported pay cut then.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Will be interesting to see what Viaplay decides about its UK operation. I could envisage a sale to DAZN.
https://rxtvinfo.com/2023/crunch-week-for-viaplay/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Report: TNT Sports bids to oust Sky as Super League’s UK broadcast partner
UK rugby league top flight 'disappointed' by Sky’s offer to extend deal beyond 2023.
https://www.sportspromedia.com/news/...tv-rights-sky/

---------- Post added at 10:48 ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 ----------

I wonder if WBD would be allowed to buy them or some kind of partnership perhaps integrated into Discovery+

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I think the only objection might come from the rights holders who might seek to take back control of their rights in the event of a change of ownership. I don't think the competition authorities would be too concerned as most sports fans' complaints are that there are too many sports services, not too few.

However, would it be financially worthwhile for WBD? I doubt it. The only interested buyers I can envisage are DAZN and at a pinch, the previous owners of Premier Sports.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Rumours are that Disney are interested in returning to the UK sports scene. ESPN are reportedly after a Premier League contract and were linked to BT Sport before WBD swooped.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

They are

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/bu...ss-1235535343/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It's much complicated in the US , They can't just close them down like other countries.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

If Viaplay do axe the UK business I feel the media rights will go back to their holders then resold to a other broadcaster - Hope Scottish Cups rights goes to Sky Sports or TNT Sports

---------- Post added at 11:47 ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 ----------

Like OLDBOY would say LIVE TV broadcasting channels is on they way out so ever say ever.

Disney Mulls Selling Indian TV & Streaming Business

https://deadline.com/2023/07/disney-...ss-1235437059/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I wonder how much they paid for Premier Sports.

---------- Post added at 11:49 ---------- Previous post was at 11:47 ----------

National Geographic and National Geographic Wild somehow still exist in the UK

Continue to close down channels in other channels

https://tbivision.com/2023/06/14/dis...n-south-korea/

I honestly can't see Disney buying linear channels in the UK, content is different , they continue to commission UK content for Disney+.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

£30m in cash.

https://advanced-television.com/2022...remier-sports/

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I very much doubt it. As others have said, Disney is more of a seller of broadcast assets at the moment.

No harm in a Premier League club or two talking up the story to keep WBD and Comcast on their toes, though.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Been thinking all day about this here is my own views on what may happen to Viaplay UK:

*Close Viaplay UK and give sports rights back to owners for them to resell rights.
*Axe Viaplay Sports UK Channels and move online only.
*Look into Selling Viaplay UK to BeIN Sports.
*Look into merge with TNT Sports or DAZN.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

TNT Sports is also available via discoveryplus from today for £29.99p/m the pack includes all discovery contents plus the former BT Sport channels

https://get.discoveryplus.com/gb/wat...nner-subscribe

---------- Post added at 11:56 ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 ----------

TNT Sports have appointed Laura Woods as lead presenter for its Champions League and boxing coverage, whilst Ally McCoist has also joined TNT Sports as co-commentator and a pundit for the Premier League and Champions League.


Jules Breach will take over as Europa League presenter

Lynsey Hipgrave will host the Premier League matches

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I’d imagine if the UK operation is sold in full, with subscriber base, the contracts will be watertight enough that the rights move to the new owner.

With so many “deep pockets” streamers out there looking to develop their offerings it’d be foolish to not write up the possibility that a bigger player hoovers them up for the day in, day out content.

Obviously if they cease operating that’s a different kettle of fish.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

My sources has told me today Microsoft are looking into enter the TV market and have their eyes on DAZN and Netflix.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

And to further rule out Disney, ESPN Player has announced it's closing down in the MENA region which includes the UK.
https://www.espnplayer.com/espnplayer/help.jsp

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Not suprised by the closure, they can add the content to Disney+

There is some ESPN Documentaries on there, Apparently a new ESPN event link was added to the Disney+ sitemap a while back.

No mention of UK broadcaster for NCAA , No sign of any ESPN branded programming on TNT Sports in the next 2 weeks, has the deal ended/not been renewed?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Viaplay confirmed that they are looking to sell, merge or close their UK network.

https://www.viaplaygroup.com/sites/d...ion_q22023.pdf

See bit 16 on link.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Thanks. No real surprise there.
As an initial step, Viaplay will end its non-sport subscriptions in its international markets and wholesale that content.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Can add them to the graveyard failed sports briadcasters soon enough then.

It's easy though :)

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Many seem to go the way of Setanta.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

In theory it is Setanta. Setanta lived on in Ireland until, eventually brought back to the UK as Premier Sports which Viaplay subsequently bought. So yeah. The legend continues, what will unfold in the next chapter?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Share price down 40% when the stock exchange opened.

A “deep pockets” streamer could snap them up for free soon. Cheap enough for them all, just no business model!

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

BT Sport was loss-making when it merged with WBD. I'm not convinced the combined business will become profitable either.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

It’s hard to tell with BTS - although obviously a paper loss it was likely a loss leader for broadband sales and BT retail have captured a fair chunk of that market.

The problem for any standalone streamer is they’ve nothing else to sell along with it.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Agreed. It doubtless served its purpose.

If WBD decide to go head-to-head with Sky and offer Max then I guess that's one upsell opportunity for them. However, given WBD's debts, I suspect it will be tempted to take Sky's money. At which point TNT Sports will start to look like an expensive mistake and heads will roll.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

I suspect they will do a bit of both.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

First to the bargain bucket Canal+, who have taken a 12% stake. The amount isn’t disclosed. Another opportunity missed for those streamers that I keep reading are imminently going to take over the market.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

La Liga really messed up moving away from sky sports...theyre now looking for their third new home since then?

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Eleven Sports, Premier Sports, Viaplay, TBA...must be hard for them to keep track!

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Premier Sports still exists in Ireland, I wonder if they might buy back the UK channels for less what than they sold them for.

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 

Help me out here, I'm at my parents house they don't have Sky but they are able to watch The Open live on Sky Sports YouTube channel, is there some sort of a free live feed or something?