General ESPN, BT, Euro, Premier and Sky Sports news - Page 266

andy_m · 13-11-2013, 07:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

Quick question.

When BT bought the ESPN channels, and took over the existing carriage deals, why did BT not change the name of ESPN to BT Sports 3? Was it a stipulation by ESPN that the name had to remain?

My understanding was that the Premier League rights were entering a new cycle so nobody owned them until BT bought them, but that BT acquired ESPN's other rights by buying the ESPN channel, so I think it might be the case that keeping the ESPN channel meant the existing rights deal for, say, the FA Cup could stay in place. It was also always my understanding that BT intended to phase out the ESPN brand over time. The next FA Cup rights, for example, were bought by BT, not ESPN.

Doug P · 13-11-2013, 11:15

Also having the ESPN name sounds better IMO than BT Sports 3....

alwaysabear · 13-11-2013, 11:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by andy_m

My understanding was that the Premier League rights were entering a new cycle so nobody owned them until BT bought them, but that BT acquired ESPN's other rights by buying the ESPN channel, so I think it might be the case that keeping the ESPN channel meant the existing rights deal for, say, the FA Cup could stay in place. It was also always my understanding that BT intended to phase out the ESPN brand over time. The next FA Cup rights, for example, were bought by BT, not ESPN.

It may have more to do with the rights to American sports like MLB, College football etc

OLD BOY · 13-11-2013, 12:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug P

Good post but don't agree. BT will snap sooner or later and Sky will still be there. My feelings are not from a love of BSkyB just know BT will suffer for this foolhardy strategy and their customers will suffer the most.

I don't say they are unworried but the deal with VM was wrong from BT's POV and this Champions League deal is worse... Sky will continue to dominate tv sport but maybe to less of a degree... but they'll get the CL back again.

Well, no-one knows how the future will pan out, but I think you are wrong in saying BT will snap and Sky will win out. I don't think that even Sky are going to pay the huge sums that BT seem to be prepared to pay to get football rights, and if I were a betting man, I would be seriously considering the prospect of BT being the main Premiership provider when the current rights are up. I understand your suspicions, which are borne of Sky's past record of winning, but I think this is one battle they are going to lose.

As far as BT's deal with VM is concerned, I don't understand your viewpoint. I dare say that BT are making more money out of the deal with VM than if they required subscriptions because the subscription rate is likely to have been very low indeed. The money they are getting from the XL deal is guaranteed income and it will help their audience figures for advertising purposes. It is one of the few football deals that is actually good for customers!

Chad · 13-11-2013, 12:24

World Cup 2018 and 2022 next for BT Sports?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-coverage.html

"Fifa has confirmed it would welcome a BT bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights following the broadcaster's £900 million Champions League acquisition."

"Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke revealing negotiations with English broadcasters over the 2018 and 2022 tournaments would take place between now and next summer."

OLD BOY · 13-11-2013, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

World Cup 2018 and 2022 next for BT Sports?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-coverage.html

"Fifa has confirmed it would welcome a BT bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights following the broadcaster's £900 million Champions League acquisition."

"Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke revealing negotiations with English broadcasters over the 2018 and 2022 tournaments would take place between now and next summer."

I have no doubt at all about that, Chad, judging by BT's record this year!

denphone · 13-11-2013, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

World Cup 2018 and 2022 next for BT Sports?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/foo...-coverage.html

"Fifa has confirmed it would welcome a BT bid for the 2018 and 2022 World Cup rights following the broadcaster's £900 million Champions League acquisition."

"Fifa secretary general Jerome Valcke revealing negotiations with English broadcasters over the 2018 and 2022 tournaments would take place between now and next summer."

Does not the World cup as part of the crown jewels have to remain free to air?.

Chad · 13-11-2013, 12:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by denphone

Does not the World cup as part of the crown jewels have to remain free to air?.

They are indeed however the article suggests BT would have to make similar concessions to those made to land the Champions League. It sounds like BT could become the exclusive broadcaster for the World Cup but would have to show the games free to air.

Dave42 · 13-11-2013, 12:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

Well, no-one knows how the future will pan out, but I think you are wrong in saying BT will snap and Sky will win out. I don't think that even Sky are going to pay the huge sums that BT seem to be prepared to pay to get football rights, and if I were a betting man, I would be seriously considering the prospect of BT being the main Premiership provider when the current rights are up. I understand your suspicions, which are borne of Sky's past record of winning, but I think this is one battle they are going to lose.

As far as BT's deal with VM is concerned, I don't understand your viewpoint. I dare say that BT are making more money out of the deal with VM than if they required subscriptions because the subscription rate is likely to have been very low indeed. The money they are getting from the XL deal is guaranteed income and it will help their audience figures for advertising purposes. It is one of the few football deals that is actually good for customers!

you got to remember sky paid over £2 billion for premier league right compared to BT £738 million so BT will have to up it over £2 billion to beat sky cant see that happening in 1 go remember sky will up bid to make sure they get most of premier league games they know they need the football

denphone · 13-11-2013, 12:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad

They are indeed however the article suggests BT would have to make similar concessions to those made to land the Champions League. It sounds like BT could become the exclusive broadcaster for the World Cup but would have to show the games free to air.

They would have to make huge concessions as if any British team qualifies for the World Cup and is not shown on the main channels then there will be one almighty hue and cry.

OLD BOY · 13-11-2013, 12:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave42

you got to remember sky paid over £2 billion for premier league right compared to BT £738 million so BT will have to up it over £2 billion to beat sky cant see that happening in 1 go remember sky will up bid to make sure they get most of premier league games they know they need the football

But even Sky weren't prepared to pay the £900m or whatever it was for the Champions League! No, I think BT means business here.

muppetman11 · 13-11-2013, 12:50

Excuse me if I don't celebrate , the World Cup on BT Sport , sorry but I couldn't think of anything worse than a pay tv operator getting there mitts on these rights and that includes Sky.

OLD BOY · 13-11-2013, 12:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by muppetman11

Excuse me if I don't celebrate , the World Cup on BT Sport , sorry but I couldn't think of anything worse than a pay tv operator getting there mitts on these rights and that includes Sky.

It's only a matter of time before there are no 'crown jewels' sports events any more.

It's a shame, but in my view, inevitable.

Dave42 · 13-11-2013, 12:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by OLD BOY

But even Sky weren't prepared to pay the £900m or whatever it was for the Champions League! No, I think BT means business here.

the premier league is where the big money is at yes BT need business but sky got a big lead in premier league and they up bid lots BT will have to add over £2 billion to compete for that not sure they will in 1 go sky know how much they need the premier league football they not let that go

martin201002 · 13-11-2013, 12:59

Bt do like splashing the cash don't they? The roman abramovich method to sports rights acquisition.