BT to Buy ESPN UK and Ireland Channels

BT will expand their sports portfolio after agreeing to purchase ESPN and ESPN America channels in the UK and Ireland.

The deal will see BT gain the broadcast rights to the FA Cup, check Scottish Premier League, herbal Bundesliga, Europa League, NASCAR and NCAA College Basketball. The company already has the rights to 38 live Premier League matches per season from 2013/14, Aviva Premiership Rugby and live women’s tennis.

The deal is expected to be completed in July 2013 and BT will operate at least one ESPN channel as part of its sports package.

Marc Watson, chief executive of television, BT Retail, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with ESPN for the acquisition of their UK channels business and that we have been able to add some exciting new sports rights to the ones we already have.

“The FA Cup, Scottish Premier League and Europa League rights will allow us to offer customers of BT Sport even more quality live football, including our first games from the Scottish top flight and our first European competition rights. There will also be the best of US sports available courtesy of this deal, which will further broaden the appeal of BT Sport.”

Ross Hair, managing director, ESPN – Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “We could not be more proud of the TV channels built and nurtured by our talented team over the past four years. The value of that hard work is reflected in this deal with BT and the continuation of ESPN on television screens across the UK and Ireland. The same passion, commitment and innovation will be at the heart of how we develop our strong digital media business into the future.”

ESPN subscribers will continue to receive their usual service until the purchase has been completed.