General : ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news

[HDFootyMan]

We will offer BT Sport on Virgin Media if it makes commercial sense to do so

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/d...l_tw_sportfaqs

Translation: "Show us the money, Virgin!"

[Chad]

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/d...l_tw_sportfaqs

Translation: "Show us the money, Virgin!"

Thanks for the link. Some good info.

"We don't know if it will be available over cable, but we are talking to Virgin Media about this."

"We will offer BT Sport on Virgin Media if it makes commercial sense to do so."

Not looking good for Virgin at the moment however BT do also state "We have plans to distribute the channel as widely as possible and we will be making more announcements closer to launch." Of course this doesn't automatically mean Virgin will be included. BT could argue that the majority of Virgin homes will also have access to Freeview. By witholding the channels from Virgin, BT could sell the channels directly to Virgin homes via Freeview. Not likely, but not impossible.

It all depends how much BT want to use BT Sports as a tool to close the gap on virgin as the second biggest pay TV provider in the UK. Time will tell.

[denphone]

Originally Posted by Chad

Boxing promoter Frank Warren who own's 70% of boxing channel Boxnation today announced:

"There will be an announcement from Boxnation tomorrow concerning funding. You'll see tomorrow that Boxnation are turning a big corner."

Rumours are rife that BT have bought a stake in the channel and will offer the channel as part of their sports package from this summer. Simon Green the head of BT Sport is still a non-exec Director at BoxNation. The Independant ran a story 8 weeks ago which suggested BT had an interest in the channel.

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/g...g-8449350.html

Nothing confirmed yet however if BT have agreed a deal and include the channel as part of their sports package along with BT Sports 1, BT Sports 2 and ESPN America that will surely make them a really big player in the sports TV market.

Of course it's just rumours for now.

Now if thats true then l might give it more serious consideration.

---------- Post added at 05:04 ---------- Previous post was at 05:03 ----------

Originally Posted by HDFootyMan

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/d...l_tw_sportfaqs

Translation: "Show us the money, Virgin!"

Only a fools company would not offer it to both big providers.

[andy_m]

I would think Bt would be on a slightly sticky wicket if they don't offer the channel to Virgin on at least a wholesale basis. After all, Sky have even been made to provide the hd versions of two of their channels. I have no doubt that Bt would like to withhold it, but I can't see how they'll be allowed.

[johnasimmons]

For what BT spent on getting rights they will have to sell it wholesale to as many service providers as possible (in my opinion).

[Dave42]

Originally Posted by andy_m

I would think Bt would be on a slightly sticky wicket if they don't offer the channel to Virgin on at least a wholesale basis. After all, Sky have even been made to provide the hd versions of two of their channels. I have no doubt that Bt would like to withhold it, but I can't see how they'll be allowed.

well why is sky allowed to withhold channels

[muppetman11]

Originally Posted by andy_m

I would think Bt would be on a slightly sticky wicket if they don't offer the channel to Virgin on at least a wholesale basis. After all, Sky have even been made to provide the hd versions of two of their channels. I have no doubt that Bt would like to withhold it, but I can't see how they'll be allowed.

Sky were made to wholesale Sky Sports 1&2 because of their dominant position with sport on pay TV , BT aren't currently in the same dominant position.

Originally Posted by Dave42

well why is sky allowed to withhold channels

The only channels content that's exclusive on Sky is Sky Atlantic , there are no requirements to wholesale this channel so platforms have to strike a deal which both feel represents value for both subscribers and shareholders.

[denphone]

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Sky were made to wholesale Sky Sports 1&2 because of their dominant position with sport on pay TV , BT aren't currently in the same dominant position.

The only channel that's exclusive on Sky is Sky Atlantic , there are no requirements to wholesale this channel so platforms have to strike a deal which both feel represents value for both subscribers and shareholders.

Its not just Sky Atlantic which is not available but also several HD variants which are being withheld as well.

[muppetman11]

Edited my original post now to read what I meant to say.

[coulsontom]

looks like bt wont be coming to virgin judging by that. Seems bt insisting on buying direct through them to stop sky making profit on it or undercutting

[denphone]

Originally Posted by coulsontom

looks like bt wont be coming to virgin judging by that. Seems bt insisting on buying direct through them to stop sky making profit on it or undercutting

BT Sports will come to Virgin unless they are absolutely stupid.

[Dave42]

Originally Posted by coulsontom

looks like bt wont be coming to virgin judging by that. Seems bt insisting on buying direct through them to stop sky making profit on it or undercutting

just makes it look like no chance of it being in XL pack it be a pay extra channel

[coulsontom]

Originally Posted by Dave42

just makes it look like no chance of it being in XL pack it be a pay extra channel

Yes it's going to be a rip off £10 type price, maybe even £12.99 style.

For basically 1 game per week in premier league.

They will claim they have the other rights but personally don't care about French football etc...

[denphone]

Originally Posted by coulsontom

Yes it's going to be a rip off £10 type price, maybe even £12.99 style.

For basically 1 game per week in premier league.

They will claim they have the other rights but personally don't care about French football etc...

Well we shall see what the price is but if its too expensive then there won't be many takers.

[johnasimmons]

If BT Sports - all channels - comes to VM in both sd & hd form I feel it will be nearer £15 a month - It could also include all the BoxNation boxing depending on a announcemant being made by Frank Warren later today...