BT Sport and ESPN sign new seven-year collaboration deal

BT Sport and ESPN have signed a new seven-year agreement to expand the range of ESPN content on BT Sport.

The new long-term collaboration builds on the successful relationship between both brands following the acquisition of ESPN’s UK and Ireland television business by BT plc in 2013.

“Continuing with ESPN, one of the world’s leading sports brands, as part of the BT Sport portfolio is a win for our viewers, our partners and sport fans in the UK and Ireland,” said John Petter, chief executive of BT Consumer

“Our relationship with ESPN since BT Sport began operation of the ESPN channel in the UK and Ireland has been a big success, with the two companies collaborating on a number of initiatives.”

As part of the new deal, BT Sport has the opportunity to use the ESPN brand in a range of different ways with ESPN remaining part of the BT Sport channel line-up for the long-term.

The deal will see BT Sport expand the amount of programming it receives from ESPN, up to 5,000 hours per year. Among a wide range of content, programming supplied during the course of the agreement will typically feature the Verizon IndyCar Series, NCAA College Football and Basketball, X Games, the AFL (Australian Football League) and more.

Charly Classen, vice president and general manager, ESPN – Europe, Middle East and Africa, added: “ESPN continues to be a key part of the UK sports landscape through the channel and content in the BT Sport line-up, as well as our successful and growing digital and content sales business in the region. We’re thrilled with what has been a unique and successful collaboration with BT Sport over the past couple of years, and are excited it will continue and expand over the long term, delivering great content and service to UK sports fans.”