Current PL TV rights deal to continue until 2025

[robfosters]

So nothing will change viewing wise with the PL for another 4 years at least.

Government issued an exclusion order meaning that the usual auction process that takes place under fair competition law, could be avoided this time round, and the current deal could just be renewed.

there were fears that the pandemic could drive prices down too much if it went to auction.

It’s to be expected I suppose, as the PL doesn’t want to take a potential revenue hit, especially at this time, but it’s a missed opportunity for punters. A new auction could have seen the new boys on the scene like Amazon and DAZN really shaking up the market and making it more affordable to fans. There were strong rumours that DAZN were very interested in launching a bid for UK rights. I believe they already hold the rights in a few other countries

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57098432

 

[robfosters]

Splitting up the games was only ever intended to create more revenue for the league, at the expense of supporters.

I hope we see riots outside Sky, BT & the PL's studios, creating a closed shop without any competition, preventing the likes of DAZN from realising their dream

I get what you’re doing there.

you have a point. The PL have no qualms about a closed shop approach when it benefits them.

 

[robfosters]

I don't want Sky to lose the rights. I watch loads of games after they've started as my wife works shifts and we watch them together. The ability to record sky and bt games is such a useful feature which I won't be able to do with streaming services.

Amazon let you watch games from the start or live

 

[robfosters]

Do they? I didn't notice that on their games before. What happens if the game is actually finished?

Not sure about that one.

I wouldn’t worry, gonna be a long time before sky lose the rights imo.

 

[robfosters]

Who knows Rob. Amazon have just taken the plunge and secured the bulk of the TV rights for Ligue 1, DAZN have got the rights to Serie A - if Amazon or one of the big tech companies decide they really want to win the rights then I'm not sure Sky can compete. And then you have the prospect of the PL cutting the middle man out altogether. It's very possible that we might see the PL launch something overseas in the next few seasons and if that's successful then they'll replicate it across all markets.

They're available on demand to watch in full as and when you please, along with highlights packages, the option to watch individual key moments (goals etc) and interviews. When it comes to watching the games after the event, Amazon is far better than watching a Sky recording.

I've not subbed to DAZN for the boxing but from what I understand it's similar with them and I'd imagine with most decent streaming platforms.

DAZN is excellent. I don’t know what their streaming tech is but the picture is second to none. Better than sky HD. And the streams are instant. Quicker than changing tv channels.

 

[robfosters]

Who knows what this means for DAZN in the long term. The guy that was running DAZN left last year and subsequently said their US operation has proved to be a failure due to not being able to get broadcast rights for any of the major US sports Leagues and the breakdown of their BT deal means they're not going to get their hands on any PL or CL football over here for a long time too.

As I saw one person say on twitter, this leaves Matchroom in a precarious position. Will DAZN keep pumping money into a loss making venture? Will it consolidate and cut back on it's spending (limiting the fights it can put on) or possibly call it a day? All while Frank Warren's suddenly got an even more powerful broadcaster behind him than before (and Sky still around).

It will be funny though if Eddie has to slink back to Sky with his tail between his legs

 

[robfosters]

They've signed a 4 year deal with Boxxer. He may end up on Channel 5

You never know, Amazon might even be interested