BT ‘having discussions’ over sports channels

BT IS considering selling its sports channels – which currently cover the Champions and Europa leagues, some Premier League matches, European football leagues and the Gallagher Premiership Rugby League.

The telecoms giant said it would be interested in selling a stake in BT Sport, or the whole lot depending on what agreements can be made – or even striking a partnership deal.

The Daily Telegraph has said BT is talking with Amazon, Disney and international sports streaming venture Dazn over a potential stake sale to bring investment into the sports content arm.

But PA says an unnamed British broadcaster is thought to be leading the bids. BT did not confirm which firms it is talking to and said talks are at an early stage.

It said: “Further to media reports, BT can confirm that early discussions are being held with a number of select strategic partners, to explore ways to generate investment, strengthen our sports business, and help take it to the next stage in its growth.

“The discussions are confidential and may or may not lead to an outcome.”

It would mark a shift in strategy for BT after ramping up its presence in the sports market over the past decade and spending billions of pounds taking on Sky.

The sports world has been hit hard by the pandemic, with lockdowns and restrictions across the globe having a devastating impact on live sports.

BT is focusing its attention on upgrading the UK’s broadband network and building its 5G network and has become less willing to pay hefty prices demanded for sports rights under boss Philip Jansen.

Its wider business has likewise been under pressure due to the pandemic.

The group said in February that underlying earnings fell 5% to £5.6bn as revenues dropped 7% in the nine months to December 31 after its consumer and enterprise operations were hit by virus restrictions.

Russ Mould, investment director of online trading platform AJ Bell said it was interesting BT was acting now – after the threat the apparently defunct European Super League had posed to competitions such as the Champions and Europa Leagues.

He said: “Maybe BT doesn’t think the breakaway European Super League is as dead as it appears to be given the company has confirmed speculation it is considering a sale of its BT Sport arm.”