Originally Posted by hendero:
“Premier League had to grant some rights to someone other than Sky, BT effectively stepped into ESPN's role as the secondary channel covering PL. The bulk of the rights stayed with Sky.
Maybe UEFA will decide to go with BT and turn their backs on Sky, maybe BT will throw yet more money into a loss-making part of their business. I just don't see that happening, at least not this year. Do you?”
The European Commission's ruling had "expired" therefore In theory Sky could have won all the rights. The Premier League could have also decided to stay with ESPN if they unsure of the "BT Project". Clearly money spoke loudest, as it will with UEFA.
I certainly think BT will make a serious play for a first pick package.
Originally Posted by ariusuk:
“Well as UEFA haven't started it yet, nobody knows.
But if it's anything like the last few auctions it will have packages similar to this:
A - First pick Tuesday game, Tuesday highlights, and the Final
B - First pick Wednesday game, Wednesday highlights, and the Final
C - Second pick Tuesday game
D - Second pick Wednesday game
E - All other Tuesday games
F - All other Wednesday games”
Thank Arius. As per this, what package would allow Sky a highlights show on Tuesday night currently?
Originally Posted by promo-only:
“Excuse me?
If BT don't win at the CL auction then it's yet another sign that this project was ill conceived, as per the much talked about 'plan A' scenario. It's one thing making out that you're going to be taking part in high profile auctions but it's quite another to keep coming away empty handed.
”
I think thats a bit strong. Premier League rights are head and shoulders above anything else in terms of importance. Whilst other rights are required to form a decent portfolio, I doubt losing out on anything else would bother them too much if the bidding goes out of their reach.