United Kingdom
BBC retains IMG for coverage of snooker showpieces
UK public-service broadcaster the BBC has extended its deal with IMG through a new four-year contract which is set to see the agency continue to produce live coverage of the three major UK snooker tournaments until 2021.
Sky offloads remaining stake in betting operator
Sky, one of Europe’s leading pay-television sports broadcasters, has agreed to sell its 20-per-cent stake in the online betting and gaming business, Sky Betting & Gaming, to the Stars Group, a Canadian company that specialises in online gaming.
Sky to rebrand channel for Players Championship
UK pay-television broadcaster Sky has said it will rebrand its golf channel to highlight its coverage of the Players Championship, the flagship event on the PGA Tour.
Eurosport ventures into apparel market
International sports broadcaster Eurosport has partnered with sportswear manufacturer Tenn Outdoors to launch a range of technical cycling clothing for the UK market.
Amazon seals US Open rights deal
The United States Tennis Association has confirmed a five-year deal with Amazon that grants the internet company exclusive live rights in the UK and Ireland to the US Open grand slam tournament.
Watching Brief (Vol.205) UK TV Audiences 2nd to 8th April
Tebas spells out LaLiga rights goals, questions raised over Sky deal
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has declared revenue goals for the top division of Spanish football’s next rights package and said it will stage matches outside its home market in the next two seasons, as UK rights-holder Sky is reportedly facing renewed pressure to retain its long-running contract.
BT Sport to launch pay-per-view channel
UK pay-television broadcaster BT Sport has revealed plans to launch a pay-per-view channel.
Channel 4 seeks production partner for Paralympics coverage
UK commercial broadcaster Channel 4 has launched a tender process for its coverage of the 2020 summer Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Premier League clubs issued deadline to agree revenue-sharing reform
English Premier League football clubs will be required to make a final decision this summer on proposed reforms to the system by which broadcast rights revenue is distributed, according to multiple reports.
World RX secures UK rights deal
UK free-to-air digital television channel FreeSports has acquired rights to the World Rallycross Championship (World RX) motor-racing series.
Takeover panel rules Disney must bid for Sky
US media company Walt Disney has been told it will have to make a full takeover bid for Sky, the European pay-television broadcaster operated by rival media company 21st Century Fox, even if the UK competition regulator scuppers Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to seize full control.
Watching Brief (Vol.204) UK TV Audiences 26th March to 1st April
Edmund joins tennis’ social streaming set
British No.1 Kyle Edmund has become the latest tennis player to stream his matches via social media channels through an agreement with endorsement partner British Airways.
Premier League, Fox Networks Group Latin America claim anti-piracy victories
Football’s English Premier League and pay-television operator Fox Networks Group Latin America have claimed two significant wins in their ongoing efforts to fight piracy of their content.
Watching Brief (Vol.203) UK TV Audiences 19th March to 25th March
Watching Brief (Vol.202) UK TV Audiences 12th March to 18th March
MUTV branches out with Russia v France friendly
MUTV, the in-house television channel of English Premier League football club Manchester United, has acquired rights to the international friendly match between Russia and France.