Originally Posted by sheff71:
“That's assuming the FAPL's only consideration is money, and nothing else (e.g. the quality of the output previously, how relations are with the bidders, is the FAPL brand being promoted as they would wish, etc).”
I think it's pretty clear that all the FA care about is money.
Originally Posted by sheff71:
“the FAPL have a track record of 21 years with Sky (and bearing in mind Sky have supported the league since it's start). BT are seen as using the FAPL purely as a means of promoting BT Broadband, rather than because of the football itself - at least currently.”
They have a track record of 21 years with Sky because there has been no other real competition.
They will always sell to the highest bidder, look at ITV Digital.
BT may be promoting their broadband, but if you think Sky are in it for the football and not in it for themselves as well then you would be wrong. Sky are in it because it makes business sense, it's hugely profitable for them. BT now think it makes business sense for them too, they are just delivering it to their customers differently that's all.
Originally Posted by
sheff71:
“If in the next few years, the FAPL find they have problems with BT, then they would be less willing to give them more packages if they have a say (just as any company would - if a service provider gives you poor service, you wouldn't renew their contract?). Of course the same applies with Sky, but the fact is they've stuck together for over 20 years, so there would need to be a big change for BT to be a 'preferred bidder' - money isn't everything.... well not all of the time
”
According to this thread BT seem to be doing a good job of it so far. What sort of problems do you envisage happening that would make the FAPL upset?