Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

That ridiculous "rule" should have been dumped years ago.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

I think this is the sub-plot.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

Not for sport, if you remember, although I think that will improve with consolidation.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

Yes, because nothing reduces prices like a couple of companies holding all the rights (cf Sky Sports)

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

I agree that if consolidation happens, this could lead to a reduction in fees paid for TV rights which ultimately could be passed onto the consumer. Likely not via a price reduction but a price freeze.

The trouble is that there have been too many companies out there willing to run TV sports broadcasting at a loss and hence provide sports with more competition for their rights, driving up prices.

The UK's only hope for no increases in pay TV sports prices must be that DAZN stays away from major sports and that the duopoly of TNT Sports and Sky Sports for major rights continues.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

Looks like there could be a three-way split for c250 Premier League rights. Maybe DAZN 50 games, TNT 50 games, Sky 150 games?

• DAZN has confirmed it will be involved in the bidding process.
• Premier League is hoping for £4bn pa for all rights, international and dometic. This is up from £3.47bn a year. However, £3.47bn has been the price for six seasons at a time of very high inflation.
• New four-year deal domestic broadcast tender document being sent out this month. (Previous deals were for three years)
• Games on offer will rise from 200 to 250-270.
• There will be fewer packages of games - likely five packages with 50-54 games per package so no light package like the current one Amazon has.
• Sunday evening games won't be included.
• More games will come from:
  - Monday and Friday nights
  - Saturday lunchtimes and tea-times
  - Three slots across Sundays
  - Various midweek matches

See https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...-TV-fight.html

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

I'll believe the DAZN bid when I see it. Even their actual statement doesn't commit to an actual bid - one could reasonably interpret that as being in discussions to understand the bidding process more.

At least we now know what I've always expected the bargain basement Amazon offer was only viable because it was so cheap. It's interesting that, despite being one of the largest companies on the world, it doesn't sound like there's any appetite to jump in for 50 games at market value.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

The Amazon experiment would have been cancelled after three years if the rights hadn't been rolled over because of Covid.

If DAZN don't get involved now, then I doubt they ever will! TNT's owners are likely to focus more on the bottom line now the channel's role is not to be a loss-leader for BT broadband subscriptions. And there's cheap sports rights to be plucked from Viasport UK if filler rights are needed to bulk up the DAZN offer.

But having three players with 50+ matches each will be pricey and encourage alternative sourcing.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

I think it is clear to most that it is cheaper for sports fans if as many sports were provided by a limited number of providers rather than having to pay for subscriptions to multiple providers.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

However the bigger number controled the better chance of getting a premium. Time will tell perhaps :rolleyes:

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

I think that's not a bad guess. In fact I'd e very surprised if DAZN does't pick up some PL games.

Re: BT/TNT Sport on Discovery+
 

DAZN already have EPL deals for coverage around the world so would not actually be new to the tv rights people.