So BT have announced (at least partially) what we can expect from them as the new channel for Champions League from next season. This includes the launch of three new channels.
First off, they will be launching a new free channel called BT Sports Showcase which will show 12 live matches per season. This will be available via freeview (no word yet of it will be in HD). This is one less than the amount of matches that ITV / STV have showed for the last few seasons.
ITV / STV had the rights to one game from each round of group games totalling 6 plus 2 from each of the knockout rounds giving us another 6 and the final. BT confirmed today that each of the British teams will be shown at least once on this free channel but no further details were given. In the past it was rumoured that they would include the final in this package but nothing was confirmed today. The showing of 12 matches on freeview was stipulated by UEFA as part of their deal.
The second new channel is BT Sports Europe where all other matches other the free 12 will be shown, many via a new red button service they are setting up. If you currently subscribe to BT TV this channel will be included in your package.
If you currently receive BT Sports for free due to having BT Broadband there will be a £5 monthly charge to receive this channel. If you currently get BT Sports via Sky or Virgin no announcement was made today regarding pricing but it is expected to be at least £5 extra per month to get this channel.
For each round of games shown on BT Sports Europe they will choose a feature game which will carry their main commentators, all other games that evening will be accessed via the red button. It is currently understood that viewers watching via Sky and Virgin will not have access to this feature meaning they will have no choice of games. BT did confirm that each of the British teams involved will have at least one feature game per season.
The third channel will be BT Sports Europe Ultra HD for people with posh tellys and loads of spare cash.
So what do you think folks? This reminds me of when Sky first got the Champions League about ten years ago and I had Sky Sports via Virgin. Like above there was no red button service meaning you were stuck with whatever the feature game was.
Champions League on BT
posted on 9/6/15
"I'm gonna bin skysports unless they give me a deal when my current one runs out this month. Gonna use the loss of CL to BT as leverage "
You're in a great bargaining position Juke. They'll bend over backwards to try and keep you.
Thing is, you might get a 12 month deal and they'll hope you'll stay. In 12 months time the new EPL deal kicks in and Sky face a 70% increase in costs on their current deal for roughly the same number of EPL games. Who do you think is going to pay......you the punter/mug
posted on 9/6/15
And they wonder why illegal streaming isn't going away.
posted on 9/6/15
It's only illegal if you get caught
posted on 9/6/15
"Who do you think is going to pay......you the punter/mug"
They could always take a hit on their annual £8.5bn profit.
posted on 9/6/15
And they wonder why illegal streaming isn't going away.
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Fluck illegal streaming, its $h!t anyway.
Get an openbox, spend 16 quid on a 12 month free gift on ebay, and away you go.
Think it works out at £1.30 a month for a full Sky package.
posted on 9/6/15
That's almost certainly illegal jlou...
posted on 9/6/15
That's almost certainly illegal jlou...
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As is streaming, as is anything that avoids you having your pants taken off you by the likes of Sky and BT.
I am not advocating you break the law, just informing you of the options.
posted on 9/6/15
Don't know why anyone can complain - it is a fantastic deal - much cheaper than Sky - and we have the terrific Gary Lineker thrown in
posted on 9/6/15
comment by Stevethebhoy (U17159)
posted 5 minutes ago
Don't know why anyone can complain - it is a fantastic deal - much cheaper than Sky - and we have the terrific Gary Lineker thrown in
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Are you working for BT by any chances?
posted on 9/6/15
Giroud - yep but it's also my genuine and honest opinion