Quote:
Originally Posted by Media Boy
I am now really starting to think that ESPN will stop broadcasting from next season with the live sports rights ESPN have still got (SPL, Europa, FA Cup and maybe more) being shown on ESPN Classic - like ESPN are doing with the Darts tonight due to the FA Cup.
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Things really don't look got at all. ESPN are losing plenty of rights, or exclusivity to rights.
UFC - Deal expires August 2013
World Series of Boxing - Deal expires May 2013
Barclays Premier League - Deal expires May 2013 (BT Vision)
Italian Seria A - Deal expires May 2013 (BT Vision)
Ligue 1 - Deal expires May 2013 (BT Vision)
Major League Soccer - Deal expired (BT Vision)
Brasileiro - Deal expires May 2013 (BT Vision)
BDO World Pro Darts Championships - Deal expired
Caribbean Twenty20 - Deal expires January 2013
NBA - Deal expires June 2013
Aviva Premiership Rugby - Deal expires May 2013 (BT Vision)
Over the past couple of weeks there has been plenty of noise about Scottish football reform plans with the SPL and SFL meeting to discuss reshaping the structure of Scottish football, as early as this summer. I think Scottish football is bracing itself for the loss of one of it's broadcasting partners and is trying to react proactively.
It would be interesting to see what kind of carriage deal ESPN signed with Virgin and BT back in 2009. If those deals are up for renewal in 2013, goodnight ESPN.