British live sports broadcasting is set to undergo a major transformation as BT and Discovery announce plans for a merger of BT Sport and Eurosport in the UK. This development raises questions about the future coverage of major global sporting events.
What has been announced?
BT and Discovery have confirmed their exclusive discussions to establish a new joint venture for sports broadcasting in the UK and Ireland. The aim is for the 50/50 partnership to be operational this year, pending a definite agreement and regulatory approval. Telegraph Sport previously reported BT’s talks for a partial sale of BT Sport, less than a decade after its major entry into sports broadcasting. They explored various options, including an outright sale to streaming firm DAZN, but Discovery emerged as the chosen partner.
What does this mean?
If the merger proceeds, it will be the largest-ever merger of two British sports broadcasters. Customers of BT Sport and Eurosport will gain access to content from both platforms, giving the joint venture increased flexibility in retaining existing rights and competing for new ones. While attention may initially focus on securing more Premier League football rights, the recently signed three-year deal means any bidding for those rights will have to wait for at least two years.
Which sports are included?
BT Sport and Eurosport collectively hold an impressive portfolio of sports rights, including the Olympics, Premier League, Champions League, Uefa club competitions, tennis grand slams, Premiership rugby, overseas cricket, cycling grand tours, MotoGP, boxing, winter sports, and UFC. These rights provide a diverse range of content for subscribers.
Does this affect coverage of the Premier League and Champions League?
In the short-term, it is unlikely that coverage of the Premier League and Champions League will be affected. It would make more sense economically to maintain these properties under the BT Sport brand and utilize existing personnel for coverage. However, in the long run, Eurosport may consider showcasing such premium content on its own channels. If the joint venture were to dissolve, Eurosport might independently enter the market for Premier League and Champions League matches.
How much will it cost?
Currently, a monthly subscription for BT Sport costs £15, while Eurosport is priced at £6.99 per month (with various offers available). If the plan is to grant ‘free’ access to each platform’s content for all customers, then pricing harmonization will likely be necessary, potentially leading to a higher combined subscription fee. It remains uncertain whether customers will have the option to exclude content they do not wish to watch, which could potentially result in lower subscription costs.
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