Champions League: BT Sport 'to announce £1bn rights deal' - Confirmed.

[21st Century Fox]

You can knock BT's Premier League coverage because it is quite frankly dire but they've absolutely nailed Sunday Night European Football. Someone obviously has a brain at BT because not only do they have James Richardson presenting it they regularly feature others from Football Weekly. I'd rather watch punditry from journalist like Rafa Honigstein, Barry Glendenning or Gabriele Marcotti than the repetitive, cliched shit that dribbles out of the mouth of ex-players. My only grievance with it is they had Joey Barton on for his 'expert' analysis of Ligue 1.

[Alexikokopops]

can see my share prices going up a bit 

 

BT's shares have gone down because the city thinks they've overpaid for the rights  

 

Anyway, I'd love to see the business case for paying nearly £1bn for the rights. They must have some ridiculous projections for churn reduction/acquisition in their broadband base if they think they're going to cover that sum. Surely they're going to have to increase the monthly subscription amount.

[Corky]

You can knock BT's Premier League coverage because it is quite frankly dire but they've absolutely nailed Sunday Night European Football. Someone obviously has a brain at BT because not only do they have James Richardson presenting it they regularly feature others from Football Weekly. I'd rather watch punditry from journalist like Rafa Honigstein, Barry Glendenning or Gabriele Marcotti than the repetitive, cliched shit that dribbles out of the mouth of ex-players. My only grievance with it is they had Joey Barton on for his 'expert' analysis of Ligue 1.

 

Absolutely, James Richardson is a fine host and Rafa Honigstein, Julien Laurens and the other guy (not sure of his name) all contribute worthwhile opinions.

 

Also, having the excellent Des Kelly presenting a show (Life's a Pitch) was another great decision.

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BT's shares have gone down because the city thinks they've overpaid for the rights

 

Anyway, I'd love to see the business case for paying nearly £1bn for the rights. They must have some ridiculous projections for churn reduction/acquisition in their broadband base if they think they're going to cover that sum. Surely they're going to have to increase the monthly subscription amount.

BT share price now slightly up on this mornings opening price, whilst Sky's price has plummeted 10%. Reading earlier that some 'experts' think this deal will force Sky to bid over the odds when other high profile sports rights come up for bidding, just to stay in the game. End of the day its the punters and viewers that have to fork out for it.

[davieG]

Aye the more they pay the more the players will get, the more the fans going to games will have to pay and the more the TV fan will have to pay. There aren't any real winners it's basically rampant inflation.

[Unabomber]

Wow I have only just realised that it is sole rights. 

[The Year Of The Fox]

Hopefully though the CL will generate much less interest once BT have it.

[Guest MattP]

Staggering amount of cash.

Dread to think what bt sport will be priced at from 2015....

[Stadt]

This is a good opportunity to show that people won't pay stupid prices for watching on t'tellehbox

[Danizen]

I can live without the group stages. I'll just have to stream the knockout stages. Might fvck Sky Sports off, too. That's gone up about £10 in 2 years.

[Alexikokopops]

Analysts estimates are that the current model will stay as is but BT will charge an extra £4-5 a month for those who want Champion's League football (possibly on a new BT Sports Champions League type channel).