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-   -   General : ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news (https://www.cableforum.uk/board/showthread.php?t=33688944)

Emel 26-07-2012 14:33

ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Sports rights are, probably, the biggest single Pay TV subscription driver as the massive money spent by Sky and BT on Premier League games shows.

This should be a particularly interesting year for sports broadcasting with the entry of a big new player in BT. At the moment I am happy with Virgin's sport coverage. For me the inclusion of ESPN in the XL pack just outweighs Sky Sports and a Eurosport channel not being available in HD and Premier Sport not being available at all.

This link, already posted by Den, shows ESPN will be around for the long term.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/media/ne...ll-rights.html

Whether ESPN in the XL pack will be such an advantage to Virgin when they lose the Premier League is open to question.

It will be interesting to see how the sports channels, particularly BT, develop over the year and whether Virgin will change their sports offering both in the XL pack and by individual subscription.

Any news would be appreciated!

Chad 27-07-2012 18:18

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Details of new TV deal between SPL, SKY and ESPN:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/...roval.18258382

Chad 27-07-2012 23:45

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
HJK Helsinki Vs. Celtic in the Champions League third qualifying round second leg is on Premier Sports on 08th August 2012 at 6pm.

Emel 28-07-2012 02:17

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35457002)
Details of new TV deal between SPL, SKY and ESPN:

http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/...roval.18258382

This is all looking good.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19012042

This may increase the chance of ESPN staying in the XL pack after this season. I am looking forward to watching Rangers journey back. I am also pleased to see that the SFL clubs doing the right thing doesn't seem to have cost Scottish football any money!

Emel 28-07-2012 11:28

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Next years British and Irish Lions tour to Australia will be live on Sky.

http://www.skysports.com/lions-09/st...932289,00.html

muppetman11 28-07-2012 12:33

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Sky Sports extends La Liga coverage

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articl...verage-3413201

denphone 28-07-2012 14:43

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35457229)
Sky Sports extends La Liga coverage

http://www.tribalfootball.com/articl...verage-3413201

Excellent news.

Chad 28-07-2012 15:08

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
More televised boxing coming soon!

http://news.boxrec.com/news/2012/exc...elevision-deal

Primetime (SKY channel 498) on a free-to-air basis with a two-and-a-half to three hour time slot. Fans can also watch the action on Freeview (channel 112) or online at www.sportstonightlive.com.

No mention of Virgin Media picking this up, yet.

andrew.shearman 28-07-2012 22:43

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35457113)
HJK Helsinki Vs. Celtic in the Champions League third qualifying round second leg is on Premier Sports on 08th August 2012 at 6pm.

will Premier Sports come to virgin in time for me to see that game

Andrew

LondonRoad 28-07-2012 23:03

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

Originally Posted by andrew.shearman (Post 35457405)
will Premier Sports come to virgin in time for me to see that game

Andrew

No chance.

The tenner saved can be used to lubricate your tonsils whilst watching in a local boozer. ;)

Emel 29-07-2012 02:09

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
A market view on BT Sports strategy and prospects.

http://marketmettle.com/knowbt/1905-...ootball-rights

Emel 01-08-2012 00:31

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Already posted by Media Boy.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19070877

I have just reposted it here to note that over the past week Sky have moved quickly to get some good sports rights. In what will be a more competitive sports market they are not resting on thir laurels. BT have supposedly got a big budget for sports rights but if they are slow off the mark it will be interesting to see what is still available.

Premier Sports are upping their price because of increasing sports rights and broadcasting costs so perhaps they have sports in mind.

If BT ends up as a standalone channel rather than in the XL pack sports viewing could become rather expensive. I would be surprised (and impressed) if Virgin could afford to have both ESPN and BT in the XL pack. I am sure BT will have a good value sports offering so the competition will be hotting up.

Emel 02-08-2012 17:05

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Gosh! That's a different approach to the SPL's over Rangers.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/rugby-league/19096266

I am surprised. It will be good to keep the Bulls. I wonder how much the Sky contract played in this decision.

DaMac 02-08-2012 18:15

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Bradford Bulls have been run badly.
Rangers had been run fraudulently.
Bit of a difference.

Emel 04-08-2012 21:13

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
ESPN will show 10 Rangers matches live.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19113843

SPL TV money only slightly down

http://www.sportinglife.com/football...down-doncaster

This is a pretty good result for Scottish Football and having the majority of Rangers matches must be a plus point for ESPN in what will be a very competitive Sports Channel market once BT Sport arrives.

ZiQi 04-08-2012 22:16

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I've not been able to afford the sports channels for many years, priced themselves well out of many sports fans pockets. Only going to get worse with BT Sports.

Chad 05-08-2012 01:06

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

Originally Posted by ZiQi (Post 35459831)
I've not been able to afford the sports channels for many years, priced themselves well out of many sports fans pockets. Only going to get worse with BT Sports.

Must admit the pay TV market for sports is getting way too crowded.

Most sport I've enjoyed over the past 2 months has been free. Euro 2012, Wimbledon and now the Olympics. If only more sport could be on the BBC and ITV.

ZiQi 05-08-2012 01:33

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35459881)
Must admit the pay TV market for sports is getting way too crowded.

Most sport I've enjoyed over the past 2 months has been free. Euro 2012, Wimbledon and now the Olympics. If only more sport could be on the BBC and ITV.

I enjoy F1, but ITV and then BBC didn't seem to care about it.

I like boxing, used to enjoy the big fights on ITV many years back.

Chad 05-08-2012 02:21

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

Originally Posted by ZiQi (Post 35459883)
I like boxing, used to enjoy the big fights on ITV many years back.

I grew up on ITV boxing. Too many great fights to mention. Used to watch the fights with my Dad and Grandad. Funnily enough it would be my Mum, who had no prior interest in the fight we were watching, who would be making the most noise and cheering the action. Sadly boxing as a family event is dying out. There just isn't enough proper big fights on free TV. Just hope the Olympics injects some much needed interest. Who knows, good viewing figures might convince the BBC to give pro boxing another try.

denphone 05-08-2012 10:06

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35459886)
I grew up on ITV boxing. Too many great fights to mention. Used to watch the fights with my Dad and Grandad. Funnily enough it would be my Mum, who had no prior interest in the fight we were watching, who would be making the most noise and cheering the action. Sadly boxing as a family event is dying out. There just isn't enough proper big fights on free TV. Just hope the Olympics injects some much needed interest. Who knows, good viewing figures might convince the BBC to give pro boxing another try.

Sadly Chad nowadays The BBC are only interested in two or three major events and even in those we have to put up with extrememy arrogant presenters or even worse then that wooden ones and the only one l can exclude from that is Clare Balding.

Emel 05-08-2012 10:17

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35459881)
Must admit the pay TV market for sports is getting way too crowded.

Most sport I've enjoyed over the past 2 months has been free. Euro 2012, Wimbledon and now the Olympics. If only more sport could be on the BBC and ITV.

I agree on both points. It has been a golden period for sport on BBC.

I hope there will be some rationalisation of sports channels. If BT are going to play big in the sports market I think people will start making choices. How many channels can you subscribe to?

Virgin need to play their hand wisely, the XL pack has the added attraction of ESPN without subscription. If Virgin are going to continue to add a "sports perk" to the XL pack next year they need to have a careful look at their options.

I am sure BT will use a good sports package as part of their marketing strategy while Sky will still have the most sport in HD.

andy_m 05-08-2012 14:16

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35459905)
Sadly Chad nowadays The BBC are only interested in two or three major events and even in those we have to put up with extrememy arrogant presenters or even worse then that wooden ones and the only one l can exclude from that is Clare Balding.

Hear hear-she has been excellent during the BBC's Olympics coverage. Not into horses so hadn't seen much of her until now (although met her at the Open last year) but I think she's really good.

Chad 05-08-2012 15:07

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

Originally Posted by Emel (Post 35459909)
Virgin need to play their hand wisely, the XL pack has the added attraction of ESPN without subscription. If Virgin are going to continue to add a "sports perk" to the XL pack next year they need to have a careful look at their options.

I am sure BT will use a good sports package as part of their marketing strategy while Sky will still have the most sport in HD.

Next year will be very interesting in terms of BT and ESPN. Personally I would like to keep ESPN in XL and make BT a stand alone subscription channel. I don't really watch the English Premiership so ESPN with 30 SPL games and another 10 games featuring Rangers is the channel for me. Not to mention ESPN shows weekly boxing by way of Friday Night Fights.

I know we have a lot of American sports fans in this forum who would be gutted if ESPN / ESPN America got dropped from the XL package.

andy_m 05-08-2012 16:42

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I think the lure of the Premier League will probably mean Virgin are keener to keep the football free on xl than they are the ESPN channel suite. That said, with less to offer a mass market, ESPN will have to reconsider their current subscription model anyway I reckon.

Chad 05-08-2012 17:43

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35460037)
I think the lure of the Premier League will probably mean Virgin are keener to keep the football free on xl than they are the ESPN channel suite. That said, with less to offer a mass market, ESPN will have to reconsider their current subscription model anyway I reckon.

I think it really comes down to what rights BT snap up. Even without the English Premiership, ESPN will still be a major player in terms of live football:

•Scottish Premier League - 30 live games a season from the SPL, featuring all 12 teams
•Scottish Third Division - 10 live Rangers matches.
•FA Cup - 25 live matches including 1 exclusively live FA Cup Semi Final and live coverage of the FA Cup Final live from Wembley.
•UEFA Europa League - At least 1 live UEFA Europa League game each match week
•Italian Serie A - 80 live Serie A matches and matches from the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup
•German Bundesliga -Up to 5 live matches a week from the Bundesliga and German Cup football.
•Dutch Eredivisie - 2 live games a week from the Dutch Eredivisie
•French Ligue 1
•Russian Premier League - A maximum of 2 live games each week
•Major League Soccer (MLS) and MLS Cup - Including live MLS Play-Offs and MLS Cup Matches
•Live Brazilian Championships - Live matches from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Campeonato Paulista
•Women's Super League - Coverage of the inaugaral Women's Super League
•Live England U21 Home Internationals

If Premier Sports can charge £10.00 per month for their limited content, and Boxnation can charge £10.00 per month for about 6 live shows, ESPN must have a good chance of surviving. I think what TV rights they pick up and retain over the next 12 months will also have a massive impact on their future.

Media Boy UK 05-08-2012 19:26

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35460055)
I think it really comes down to what rights BT snap up. Even without the English Premiership, ESPN will still be a major player in terms of live football:

•Scottish Premier League - 30 live games a season from the SPL, featuring all 12 teams
•Scottish Third Division - 10 live Rangers matches.
•FA Cup - 25 live matches including 1 exclusively live FA Cup Semi Final and live coverage of the FA Cup Final live from Wembley.
•UEFA Europa League - At least 1 live UEFA Europa League game each match week
•Italian Serie A - 80 live Serie A matches and matches from the Coppa Italia and Italian Super Cup
•German Bundesliga -Up to 5 live matches a week from the Bundesliga and German Cup football.
•Dutch Eredivisie - 2 live games a week from the Dutch Eredivisie
•French Ligue 1
•Russian Premier League - A maximum of 2 live games each week
•Major League Soccer (MLS) and MLS Cup - Including live MLS Play-Offs and MLS Cup Matches
•Live Brazilian Championships - Live matches from the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A and Campeonato Paulista
•Women's Super League - Coverage of the inaugaral Women's Super League
•Live England U21 Home Internationals

If Premier Sports can charge £10.00 per month for their limited content, and Boxnation can charge £10.00 per month for about 6 live shows, ESPN must have a good chance of surviving. I think what TV rights they pick up and retain over the next 12 months will also have a massive impact on their future.

ESPN do also have rights to over sports as well.

Chad 05-08-2012 20:17

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

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35460087)
ESPN do also have rights to over sports as well.

It's an impressive list:

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Aviva Premiership Rugby
French Rugby Top 14
NFL Monday Night Football
American Basketball (NBA)
American Baseball (MLB)
German Touring Car Masters
Formula Super League
FIA GT1
NHRA Drag Racing
NCAA Basketball
NCAA Football
British Darts Organisation
PGA Championship Golf
Sri Lanka Premier League Cricket
ATP World Tour Tennis
WTA International Tennis
Australian Football League (AFL)
Friday Fight Night Boxing

Plus there is more that's not included in this list.

With the London Olympics being a roaring success so far in terms of viewing figures for the BBC, and medal wins for team GB, I wonder if this will have a positive impact for sports channels like ESPN. With people really buying into sport, and sporting achievement, a channel like ESPN with it's diverse coverage might see growth in its subscription figures over the next couple of months. I'm sure if ESPN can snap up coverage of athletic events in the coming months they would be onto a winner.

InformationMedia 05-08-2012 22:00

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I would not be surprised if BT surrendered it's Premier League packages to ESPN within it's 1st year.

If ESPN & Sky continue to renew existing deals then BT will have nothing to show apart from 4 Premier League games per month.

Plus people would be more interested in Channels that offer more than just one Sport. Sky & ESPN offer that.

denphone 05-08-2012 22:02

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

Originally Posted by InformationMedia (Post 35460151)
I would not be surprised if BT surrendered it's Premier League packages to ESPN within it's 1st year.

Sorry but thats not going to happen.

InformationMedia 05-08-2012 22:07

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35460153)
Sorry but thats not going to happen.

There is no guarantee BT will get the subscriptions required.

Overspending on that will prove to be there downfall. I can't see their Channel lasting long.

andy_m 05-08-2012 22:37

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Bt have openly said that selling the rights on to Sky is an option.

Emel 06-08-2012 02:24

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35460167)
Bt have openly said that selling the rights on to Sky is an option.

I think if someone quoted BT as saying that there must have been a misunderstanding. I am sure there was an EC competition ruling that said no company could have all Premier League games, this is what allowed Setanta in in the first place.

It is certainly true that while BT get their act together other broadcasters are snapping up available rights.

Emel 08-08-2012 01:23

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Glad to see it's all about football again.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19173997

Looking forward to watching 15 Rangers league games on ESPN and Sky and hopefully some cracking cup ties too.

Emel 09-08-2012 17:53

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Premier Sports now available online.

http://www.loverugbyleague.com/news_...le-online.html

Chad 09-08-2012 22:24

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Well spotted Emel.

It's launched on the Premier Sports site already:

http://www.premiersports.tv/top/streaming/

TonyM19 17-08-2012 02:01

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Anybody tried Premier Sports online yet? I'd be keen to subscribe for the last two months of the NRL season, but I don't want to get tied into any long term contract. Can you go a month at a time?

andy_m 17-08-2012 08:17

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
From the website it looks like you can buy monthly passes, or twelve months at a time. £9.99 a month, with a discount if you buy the full year.

andy_m 22-08-2012 00:02

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Interesting... http:// http://www.telegraph.co.uk/f...gue-games.html

alwaysabear 22-08-2012 00:12

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35466076)

That could shake things up a bit http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/n...gue-games.html

denphone 22-08-2012 06:48

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35466076)

l am sure big bully Sky is shaking in its boots with this rather enticing prospect of a tie up.

Mobes 22-08-2012 17:27

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
That would be awesome and insanely welcomed by a massive majority i would imagine!

Chad 22-08-2012 17:46

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
"ITV has denied it is interested in airing any of BT's Premier League matces."

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...?newsfeed=true

"We are not talking to BT about taking any of their Premier League matches for broadcast on ITV channels," said the ITV spokesman. "If BT were looking for a production company to produce their Premier League coverage, that is something that we would of course look at, as we do with other potential contracts."

"It is understood that an idea was floated that one, or potentially two maximum, lesser Premier League games might be shown on ITV in order to promote the sports channel BT intends to launch next year. However, a spokesman for ITV made it clear that the tentative idea was not something that the broadcaster was interested in."

Chad 29-08-2012 18:47

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Primetime Live have the rights to Polish football live on a Friday, Sunday and Monday. Whilst Virgin customers can purchase Primetime PPV events, they don't have access to the actual Primetime channel that airs on SKY.

http://www.primetimelive.co.uk/

muppetman11 12-09-2012 13:47

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Welcome the new contender to the Sporting arena BT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...redirect=false

In my opinion the writings on the wall for ESPN.

smallclone 12-09-2012 13:53

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473487)
Welcome the new contender to the Sporting arena BT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...redirect=false

In my opinion the writings on the wall for ESPN.

This is massive news. I am staggerred that they have chosen to break away the English Heineken Cup games. This has huge implications for Sky sports.

And huge implications for pay per view. As far as I'm cocnerned anyway.

Itshim 12-09-2012 14:18

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

Originally Posted by smallclone (Post 35473488)
This is massive news. I am staggerred that they have chosen to break away the English Heineken Cup games. This has huge implications for Sky sports.

And huge implications for pay per view. As far as I'm cocnerned anyway.

Now this is a temptation to me to look at what BT has to offer.:)

smallclone 12-09-2012 14:30

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

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35473495)
Now this is a temptation to me to look at what BT has to offer.:)

Me too. Big time.

I could live without (some) football. But not rugby, especially Heineken Cup. This is proper game changing.

Interesting though that the English clubs seemed to have brokered a deal with BT behind the backs of sky and the ERC. Where does that leave the rest of us?

Dave42 12-09-2012 15:00

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473487)
Welcome the new contender to the Sporting arena BT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...redirect=false

In my opinion the writings on the wall for ESPN.

I totally agree MM mate writing on wall for ESPN in uk now can see espn being removed from xl pack at end of the football season

alwaysabear 12-09-2012 15:25

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473487)
Welcome the new contender to the Sporting arena BT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...redirect=false

In my opinion the writings on the wall for ESPN.

Agreed I think we will see a slow with drawl from the UK market with may be just ESPN America surviving.

Jameseh 12-09-2012 15:37

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Maybe BT will cripple ESPN to a degree where they buy them?

alwaysabear 12-09-2012 15:45

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

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35473534)
Maybe BT will cripple ESPN to a degree where they buy them?

That is very possible. I can see Ray Stubbs on BT channel.:D

Jameseh 12-09-2012 16:00

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I hope we somehow end up with it in the XL pack again, I couldn't see myself paying any more for TV.

muppetman11 12-09-2012 16:13

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
The current NFL Monday night deal with the BBC only lasts a year , so BT could potentially acquire those rights also.

denphone 12-09-2012 16:16

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473487)
Welcome the new contender to the Sporting arena BT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2012...redirect=false

In my opinion the writings on the wall for ESPN.

For once l agree with you.:tu:

Itshim 12-09-2012 16:42

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

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35473534)
Maybe BT will cripple ESPN to a degree where they buy them?


A Disney company - I doubt it. :erm:
However that does not mean a withdrawal from the UK market is not on the cards :dozey:

Chad 12-09-2012 16:44

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

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35473541)
I hope we somehow end up with it in the XL pack again, I couldn't see myself paying any more for TV.

I can't see it happening.

http://www.btlife.bt.com/entertainme...otball-rights/

"How much will the channel cost / will this mean I end up paying more for Premier League football?

Our objective is to widen the enjoyment of Premier League football and make it less dependent on signing up to an expensive pay TV package."

That to me suggests they have no intention of the channel going into the XL package with Virgin.

Jameseh 12-09-2012 16:46

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Oh I know there isn't a chance in hell, but they can always offer it on smaller packages individually.

muppetman11 12-09-2012 16:51

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I personally see it included on BT Vision packages with customers of other platforms having to pay a monthly fee to access it.

alwaysabear 12-09-2012 16:57

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473573)
I personally see it included on BT Vision packages with customers of other platforms having to pay a monthly fee to access it.

They will have to get a lot more rights to make it worth while to subscribe as a stand alone. We will also have to see how VM deal with BT.

Chad 12-09-2012 17:21

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
BT has spent £890 million on sports rights so far. If the channel launches at £10.00 per month they will need around 22 million subscribers to take the channel for 4 years just for them to break even. Based on previous Setanta Sports and ESPN subscriber numbers, I think BT will be lucky to get more than 1.5 million people taking the channel. Didn’t Setanta peak at about 1.1 million?

If and when BT land more sports rights you’ve really got to start to wonder how much money they are prepared to throw at this. Can anyone really see BT overtaking SKY as the nation’s favourite TV provider?

denphone 12-09-2012 17:36

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473588)
BT has spent £890 million on sports rights so far. If the channel launches at £10.00 per month they will need around 22 million subscribers to take the channel for 4 years just for them to break even. Based on previous Setanta Sports and ESPN subscriber numbers, I think BT will be lucky to get more than 1.5 million people taking the channel. Didn’t Setanta peak at about 1.1 million?

If and when BT land more sports rights you’ve really got to start to wonder how much money they are prepared to throw at this. Can anyone really see BT overtaking SKY as the nation’s favourite TV provider?

On the basis of them needing around 22 million subscribers to take the channel for them to break even l see this as the hammer to try to drive up their BT Vision subscriber numbers but whether that strategy works remains very much open to question.

DaMac 12-09-2012 18:09

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
It took SKY over 20 years to break even, BT might be in it for the long haul.

---------- Post added at 17:09 ---------- Previous post was at 17:06 ----------

p.s. they don't have to make all the money back from subs, their will be advertising revenue and sponsorship too.

muppetman11 12-09-2012 18:10

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473588)
BT has spent £890 million on sports rights so far. If the channel launches at £10.00 per month they will need around 22 million subscribers to take the channel for 4 years just for them to break even.

Your not looking at the big picture Chad your looking at this just from a TV point of view when in fact BT are primarily looking to drive take up of its lucrative Infinity Fibre BB product plus home phone.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473588)
Can anyone really see BT overtaking SKY as the nation’s favourite TV provider?

Short term not a chance , long term who knows.

Gavin-D 12-09-2012 18:40

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473611)
Your not looking at the big picture Chad your looking at this just from a TV point of view when in fact BT are primarily looking to drive take up of its lucrative Infinity Fibre BB product plus home phone.



Short term not a chance , long term who knows.

As long as they don't go the same way as Setanta and can build a decent portfolio then who knows, BT aren't short of cash its just a case of spending it wisely

Doug P 12-09-2012 19:04

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35473595)
On the basis of them needing around 22 million subscribers to take the channel for them to break even l see this as the hammer to try to drive up their BT Vision subscriber numbers but whether that strategy works remains very much open to question.

wouldn't touch BT Vision with a bargepole.....

smallclone 12-09-2012 20:15

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Fair play, what an utter cock up.

A whole new twist in the HEC and Amlin TV rights just been announced.

Sky Sports have renewed their deal with ERC and will provide EXCLUSIVE coverage until 2018.

http://www1.skysports.com/rugby-unio...y-deal-for-Sky

This must surely mean that the RFU and the FFR want to run their own competition with BT being the TV company involved??

Chad 12-09-2012 20:36

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473611)
Your not looking at the big picture Chad your looking at this just from a TV point of view when in fact BT are primarily looking to drive take up of its lucrative Infinity Fibre BB product plus home phone.

Who will be BT's main target consumer be when their new channel and TV packages launch next year? I can't see many Virgin or SKY customers joining BT for 1 sports channel, especially when BT have confirmed they will look to launch the channel on SKY and Virgin. BT are also miles behind both SKY and Virgin in terms of linear channels, especially in HD.

Still plenty of time for BT to land more deals. I'm hoping a price war is coming soon! The next 8 months or so will be very interesting indeed.

---------- Post added at 19:36 ---------- Previous post was at 19:34 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaMac (Post 35473607)
they don't have to make all the money back from subs, their will be advertising revenue and sponsorship too.

Very true however BT will also be throwing money at marketing, on screen talent, general production costs etc....

smallclone 12-09-2012 23:02

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
:) couldn't make it up:

Tweet from Dan Roan, the BBC's Sports News Correspondent:

'ERC Board, (which includes a P'ship representative!) says BT deal "in breach of IRB regulations and of a mandate from the ERC Board itself"'

---------- Post added at 22:02 ---------- Previous post was at 20:53 ----------

From espn sports news:

Quote:

The tit-for-tat exchange continued with Premiership Rugby rubbishing ERC's claims of misconduct. "Premiership Rugby notes the announcement by ERC concerning a broadcast deal with Sky Sports for the coverage of ERC competitions from 2014-15," it said in its most recent statement.

"ERC and its Board acknowledged and accepted that notice was served on the ERC Accord on 1 June 2012 by Premiership Rugby and Ligue Nationale de Rugby which means the Accord comes to an end in 2014. Sky Sports have been made fully aware of this.

"As a result of notice being served, ERC is not entitled after 2014 to sell the broadcast rights of matches involving Premiership Rugby clubs. On 27 July 2012 ERC was reminded of this in writing, and this was copied to Sky Sports.

"We also note ERC's reference to its Board Meeting on 6 June 2012. No specific broadcast deal was presented or voted on at this or any subsequent ERC Board meeting. In any case any such deal could not have included matches involving Premiership Rugby clubs.

"ERC's suggestion that Premiership Rugby may be in breach of IRB regulations is wrong. Following Premiership Rugby's agreement with the RFU, dated 16 October 2007 Premiership Rugby has specific consent to control the broadcast rights of its clubs.

"The deal which Premiership Rugby has completed with BT is financially strong for Premiership Rugby clubs and future European competitions bringing up to £152m into the game over the next four years. When any future European competition launches in 2014, BT will have exclusive rights to broadcast the matches played by Premiership Rugby clubs."

Chad 13-09-2012 00:30

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...World-Cup.html

With qualifiers starting in 2014, imagine if BT successfully snapped up these rights too. They'd be the only place to watch England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales for 4 years. Maybe ESPN will consider a bid. Whoever lands the rights will be the king of international football in the UK.

Jameseh 13-09-2012 00:32

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
BT are setting themselves up to be a Setanta.

Chad 13-09-2012 00:52

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

Originally Posted by Jameseh (Post 35473808)
BT are setting themselves up to be a Setanta.

Whilst they may have massive cash reserves they have already commited themselves to almost £900 million on TV rights. They could easily spend this again trying to land further rights.

I just can't see BT landing enough new customers to recoup their investment, even in the long term.

Chad 13-09-2012 13:33

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Here is an interesting article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...by-rights.html

Itshim 13-09-2012 14:20

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473910)
Here is an interesting article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...by-rights.html

Yes it is. I will look at what is on offer from all sources once my contract runs out. The rugby side looks like a field day for lawyers :)

denphone 13-09-2012 14:32

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473910)
Here is an interesting article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...by-rights.html

Yes things are becoming very interesting.

greeninferno 13-09-2012 14:47

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
BT acquiring Virginmedia would make it interesting

if it was allowed.

Itshim 13-09-2012 14:53

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

Originally Posted by greeninferno (Post 35473942)
BT acquiring Virginmedia would make it interesting

if it was allowed.

From by earlier dealings with BT ( many moons ago) that sound like frying pan & fire. To me . Still as posted before I will look at all options. However that would be interesting. I guess a lot of savings could come out off such a move. If allowed :erm:

denphone 13-09-2012 14:55

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

Originally Posted by greeninferno (Post 35473942)
BT acquiring Virginmedia would make it interesting

if it was allowed.

That's not going to happen in a million years.:nono:

Itshim 13-09-2012 15:28

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35473945)
That's not going to happen in a million years.:nono:


Why ? regulator? . :)

denphone 13-09-2012 15:34

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

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35473951)
Why ? regulator? . :)

Yes defintely.

muppetman11 13-09-2012 15:44

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473910)
Here is an interesting article in The Telegraph:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/rug...by-rights.html

Exactly as I said there looking to entice new and existing customers to take triple play it's amazing they currently only have 12% , I guess they see the TV as the weak link currently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35473945)
That's not going to happen in a million years.:nono:

Couldn't agree more.
Quote:

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35473951)
Why ? regulator? . :)

Because they'd have a monopoly on phonelines and BB.

Itshim 13-09-2012 15:55

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35473952)
Yes defintely.

If BT opened the cable telephone lines (as its are) . Do you not think that would allow such a take over. Its not as if BT are a big TV provider.
Really not too sure that Virgin a such a "big" player in the telecoms field.

Not sure I would want or like such a move ,however it does sort of make sense from a business point of view. Given the right terms :erm:

---------- Post added at 14:55 ---------- Previous post was at 14:49 ----------

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35473958)
Exactly as I said there looking to entice new and existing customers to take triple play it's amazing they currently only have 12% , I guess they see the TV as the weak link currently.


Couldn't agree more.

Because they'd have a monopoly on phonelines and BB.

On the hardware yes - but so are Electric cables , gas & water pipes. That does not worry anyone :erm: In fact in the case of water it the BIGGEST monopoly there is in this country and its a product that means life or death. I understand that for some here so is Virgin but :D

one2escape 14-09-2012 12:26

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I said at the time that Virgin selling their channels to Sky that it was a risky move. We are moving from the fastest is the best to where content is king. BT know this and moving this way.

Itshim 14-09-2012 13:59

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

Originally Posted by one2escape (Post 35474212)
I said at the time that Virgin selling their channels to Sky that it was a risky move. We are moving from the fastest is the best to where content is king. BT know this and moving this way.

I will hold off chasing new contract to see whats on offer " coming soon":) no doubt :erm:

denphone 14-09-2012 14:11

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

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35474273)
I will hold off chasing new contract to see whats on offer " coming soon":) no doubt :erm:

Just remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side Itshim as some people have found to their costs.:)

Itshim 14-09-2012 14:54

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35474281)
Just remember that the grass is not always greener on the other side Itshim as some people have found to their costs.:)

Did not think it was , Its cost + content + delivery. That why I said I will look.

Last time I did I got bribed with a "free" TiVo :) & a cost reduction .

You`ve got to look or you get screwed. :p: Hi perhaps you like it :D

colin25 14-09-2012 15:22

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

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35474299)
Did not think it was , Its cost + content + delivery. That why I said I will look.

Last time I did I got bribed with a "free" TiVo :) & a cost reduction .

You`ve got to look or you get screwed. :p: Hi perhaps you like it :D

Den will accept anything from Virgin :)

denphone 14-09-2012 15:52

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

Originally Posted by colin25 (Post 35474322)
Den will accept anything from Virgin :)

Oh my oh my the masters fanboys are being very naughty today.:naughty::nono:

---------- Post added at 14:52 ---------- Previous post was at 14:31 ----------

BT in ESPN talks.

Quote:

BT Vision, having just bought ESPN's English club rugby content as well as their French club rugby rights, are understood to be in talks with the Disney-owned network over taking even more of what's left of their sports portfolio. BT, building a sports channel around their 38 games a season of Premier League football, have also poached highly rated football producer Stephen Cook from ESPN, whose UK operation is doomed.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/art...#ixzz26S25zL62

Itshim 14-09-2012 16:06

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35474329)
Oh my oh my the masters fanboys are being very naughty today.:naughty::nono:

---------- Post added at 14:52 ---------- Previous post was at 14:31 ----------

BT in ESPN talks.



Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/art...#ixzz26S25zL62

did not take you for a reader of The Daily Mail :p:
BT gets more interesting by the day

denphone 14-09-2012 16:09

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

Originally Posted by Itshim (Post 35474340)
did not take you for a reader of The Daily Mail :p:
BT gets more interesting by the day

No l am more a Guardian man myself but yes its becoming rather ominous for ESPN..

muppetman11 14-09-2012 17:26

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35473812)
Whilst they may have massive cash reserves they have already commited themselves to almost £900 million on TV rights. They could easily spend this again trying to land further rights.

I just can't see BT landing enough new customers to recoup their investment, even in the long term.

This video was added to YT in April 11 , what do you make of it

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1700313

colin25 14-09-2012 18:23

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35474392)
This video was added to YT in April 11 , what do you make of it

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1700313

I think virgin and sky should take BT to court, sue them for copying as apple always does
:D

Chad 14-09-2012 21:14

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

Originally Posted by muppetman11 (Post 35474392)
This video was added to YT in April 11 , what do you make of it

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1700313

They are moving in the right direction but I think it's going to more, much more to sway loyal SKY and Virgin customers. Current BT customers however must be delighted. Imagine how exciting it must be for someone who's had BT for years?

colin25 14-09-2012 21:31

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

Originally Posted by Chad (Post 35474477)
They are moving in the right direction but I think it's going to more, much more to sway loyal SKY and Virgin customers. Current BT customers however must be delighted. Imagine how exciting it must be for someone who's had BT for years?

If they have had BT for years and never changed, it will do nothing to them. You can't excite the Brain dead :D (only joking BT lovers)

Media Boy UK 16-09-2012 17:12

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35474329)

Thanks for info.

Very good idea - Get more sports Rights plus up to Sky EPG Channels.

(I think BT will also be carry on Virgin Media if ESPN becomes BT Sports.)

denphone 16-09-2012 17:49

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

Originally Posted by Media Boy (Post 35474864)
Thanks for info.

Very good idea - Get more sports Rights plus up to Sky EPG Channels.

(I think BT will also be carry on Virgin Media if ESPN becomes BT Sports.)

If they take over ESPN's sports rights portfolio for the UK then there is a chance that BT Sports could still remain on the XL pack.

Chad 16-09-2012 18:01

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

Originally Posted by denphone (Post 35474878)
If they take over ESPN's sports rights portfolio for the UK then there is a chance that BT Sports could still remain on the XL pack.

I can't see it happening.

http://www.btlife.bt.com/entertainme...otball-rights/

"How much will the channel cost / will this mean I end up paying more for Premier League football?

Our objective is to widen the enjoyment of Premier League football and make it less dependent on signing up to an expensive pay TV package."

That to me suggests they have no intention of the channel going into the XL package with Virgin.

If ESPN closes their UK business, and BT Sports doesn't go onto the XL package, what will Virgin do to keep Premier and VIP customers happy? The potential loss of ESPN, ESPN HD, ESPN Classic, ESPN America and ESPN on demand will be huge to people who have specifically joined Virgin or upgraded to Premier or VIP for "free" access to the channels. It'll be an even bigger slap in the face if BT offer BT Sports for free to their own customers. I hope Virgin are working on a contingency plan.

andy_m 16-09-2012 18:01

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
I really hope so. ESPN is unbelievable value for free on xl, they do what they do well and as far as I'm concerned its a massive shame that they seem to be on their way. Three live Serie A games today, currently showing live Bundesliga, Sunderland v. Liverpool and SPL live yesterday, and thats just the football. Like I say, phenomenal value-Virgin will have a problem if it goes.

Chad 16-09-2012 18:03

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35474882)
I really hope so. ESPN is unbelievable value for free on xl, they do what they do well and as far as I'm concerned its a massive shame that they seem to be on their way. Three live Serie A games today, currently showing live Bundesliga, Sunderland v. Liverpool and SPL live yesterday, and thats just the football. Like I say, phenomenal value-Virgin will have a problem if it goes.

I agree 100%. It's one of Virgins biggest unique selling points in terms of their TV offering.

denphone 16-09-2012 18:21

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

Originally Posted by andy_m (Post 35474882)
I really hope so. ESPN is unbelievable value for free on xl, they do what they do well and as far as I'm concerned its a massive shame that they seem to be on their way. Three live Serie A games today, currently showing live Bundesliga, Sunderland v. Liverpool and SPL live yesterday, and thats just the football. Like I say, phenomenal value-Virgin will have a problem if it goes.

Yes they would have a problem if that happened but they have pulled rabbits out of the hat many a time before and l have no doubt they would do that again.

Gavin-D 17-09-2012 18:37

Re: ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news
 
Jake Humphrey to be face of football on BT Vision Sports Channel?

BBC sports presenter Jake Humphrey is in talks to become the host of BT Vision's live Premier League match coverage that starts next season.

BT, whose building of a sports channel around Premier League content includes Wednesday's £152million deal for Premiership rugby, want a big-name anchor for their football coverage.

Humphrey, best known for his presenting of Formula One on the BBC, has been negotiating with the corporation over his contract for exclusive work which expires at the end of the year.

But it's known the 33-year-old, who changed his representative agents this year, wants to work on other sports and earn a lot more money.

His £250,000 salary lags far behind BBC colleague Gary Lineker's £2m-a-year wages.

Humphrey also displayed his frustration at his low profile at Euro 2012 as part of the BBC team by suddenly leaving to present the Valencia Grand Prix he had been scheduled to miss.

And fronting BT Vision's 38 games a season, which cost £738m over three years and includes the prime package of first-pick games, would give Humphrey the football prominence he wants.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...ew-job-BT.html

His wife is expecting there first child soon so it would make sense for Jake to get a job where he's not traveling around the world for 8 months a year it could be a blow for BBC F1 but family comes first


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