Quote:
Originally Posted by OLD BOY
It wouldn't be 'collusion', it would be a joint bid.
---------- Post added at 12:54 ---------- Previous post was at 12:49 ----------
Yes, Andrew, you are right. However, prices cannot go much higher owing to customer resistance, and an auction can only produce bids that people are prepared to make. In the end, if Sky and BT get together and make a bid at a lower level, this will be good for everyone.
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It's an interesting prospect, similar to the joint bid by Channel 5 and ESPN for the Europa League rights a few years back:
http://www.theguardian.com/media/2009/sep/01/uefa-europa-league-espn
Is there a minimum bid requirement for the Premiership rights? If no other broadcaster showed interest, and SKY and BT did make a joint bid, what would stop them from making a silly offer i.e. half of what they currently pay for the rights? That might force the Premer League to launch their own football channel, which would be available on all TV platforms. A standardised subscription fee accross the board regarless of who your TV provider is. All fixtures shown on just 1 channel, if that would be allowed. No need to subscribe to both SKY and BT to catch all the action.