Quote:
Originally Posted by muppetman11
Good question Den , I personally think VM will negotiate a deal to include the Champions League for XL subscribers but I suppose it could go anyway. I think BT see Sky and Talk Talk as the big competitors as both operate on the Openreach network meaning its easier for customers to move phone and broadband.
BT in my opinion would receive low viewing figures if every platform is forced to pay the additional £5 a month. As I say all guesswork on my behalf.
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I'd agree with you muppetman as I think VM XL subscribers are a safe guaranteed income for BT that they need to recoup some of their outlay on footy rights and VM aren't really seen as the main competition.
If the earlier quoted XL subscriber figure of 1.8 million is correct then VM could say to BT we'll give you £1 a month for every XL subscriber for BT Europe which would mean a tidy £1.8m a month for BT.
If the decide to go it alone and ask for a subscription of £5 per month for BT Europe, they'd need 360,000 subscribers on VM to make the same £1.8m.
I think BT have vastly overpaid for the Champions League as I don't believe it's as big of a draw as they think it is. It got plenty of viewers before as it was either free on ITV or included with Sky Sports subs.
To market it as a standalone product is a different kettle of fish and I think they may struggle to recoup their outlay. This is what makes me agree with muppetman as I think BT will play it safe and strike a deal with VM to be included in XL.