Virgin Media TV XL package devalued after BT buyout of ESPN?

timb0land · 25-02-2013, 20:00

With news today that BT Sport has bought the ESPN network what is the likelihood that the channel will be removed from Virgin Media's TV XL package? I have recently upgraded to TV XL for the very reason that ESPN is offered at no extra cost. I'd be very interested to hear others' views on how they think Virgin will play this one.

denphone · 25-02-2013, 20:16

l think first of all BT Sports will cost us extra but how much is the vexed question but on what will happen to the XL pack l think things are already being done to replace the ESPN content and thus this will continue one suspects on a ongoing basis right up to when ESPN disappears and is replaced by BT Sports as a standalone subscription package

v0id · 25-02-2013, 21:46

ESPN has never been a part of the XL package, it was an addon supplied for free.

Chad · 25-02-2013, 21:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by v0id

ESPN has never been a part of the XL package, it was an addon supplied for free.

http://mediacentre.virginmedia.com/S...eason-14e.aspx

"Sports fans can now get ESPN channels as part of Virgin Mediaâ€™s XL pack for no extra cost"

ocav · 26-02-2013, 00:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

http://mediacentre.virginmedia.com/S...eason-14e.aspx

"Sports fans can now get ESPN channels as part of Virgin Mediaâ€™s XL pack for no extra cost"

So his statement still stands, it's an add on which we get for free

denphone · 26-02-2013, 04:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocav

So his statement still stands, it's an add on which we get for free

But the question is did we get it for free as the XL pack price has risen significantly since then.

timb0land · 26-02-2013, 07:22

The point I'm making is that ESPN is an important part of Virgin's TV XL marketing strategy and without it, it reduces the attractiveness of the XL package. The main reason I upgraded to XL is because ESPN is supplied as part of the deal (be it as an add on or whatever). Without ESPN I may very well decide to drop back to M+

denphone · 26-02-2013, 07:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by timb0land

The point I'm making is that ESPN is an important part of Virgin's TV XL marketing strategy and without it, it reduces the attractiveness of the XL package. The main reason I upgraded to XL is because ESPN is supplied as part of the deal. Without ESPN I may very well decide to drop back to M+

Yes l do see your point but one suspects in order to replace ESPN on the XL pack Virgin will will have set things in motion to adequately replace it by the time ESPN goes.

Chad · 26-02-2013, 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocav

So his statement still stands, it's an add on which we get for free

"ESPN has never been a part of the XL package, it was an addon supplied for free."

I agree it is an add on we got for free. My problem was the suggestion it has never been part of the XL package when it clearly has for 4 years. FACT

I’m sure one of our very reliable Virgin employees who post here will be able to confirm the position of ESPN in relation to the XL package.

timb0land · 26-02-2013, 13:55

Chad's right. It's irrelevant if it's officially part of the package or an add on. The fact remains that for the last four years it's been included at no extra cost, and in HD, to subscribers of TV XL. I hope denphone's suggestion that the wheels will already be in motion to limit the damage when it eventually goes is right although I can't imagine what could fill the void of live Premier League and FA Cup football and Premiership Rugby if it's sports you're into.

spiderplant · 26-02-2013, 14:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

Iâ€™m sure one of our very reliable Virgin employees who post here will be able to confirm the position of ESPN in relation to the XL package.

ESPN, Classic and America are part of the XL package. ESPN HD is in XLHD, which is an add-on package at no extra cost. Everyone is right

(The HD channels are in a separate package to ensure that SD-only boxes don't try to tune to them)

Chad · 26-02-2013, 17:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiderplant

ESPN, Classic and America are part of the XL package. ESPN HD is in XLHD, which is an add-on package at no extra cost. Everyone is right

(The HD channels are in a separate package to ensure that SD-only boxes don't try to tune to them)

Hooray!!!

27-02-2013, 22:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by ocav

So his statement still stands, it's an add on which we get for free

How can it be an add on if it is a part of the package?

"Sports fans can now get ESPN channels as part of Virgin Mediaâ€™s XL pack..."

timb0land · 01-03-2013, 11:43

So, can any Virgin employees give us a heads up as to what the preferred outcome might be?

Kushan · 01-03-2013, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by timb0land

So, can any Virgin employees give us a heads up as to what the preferred outcome might be?

BT will no doubt have contractual obligations regarding ESPN on Virgin, so there likely won't be any change for a while - contract renegotiation and all that.