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BT Sport

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Article Genealogy
Parent: UEFA Champions League Hop 4
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BT Sport
Launch29 July 2013
Closed1 February 2024
Picture format1080i (HDTV), 576i (SDTV 16:9)
OwnerBT Group
Replaced byTNT Sports

BT Sport. It was a group of pay television sports channels in the United Kingdom and Ireland operated by the BT Group. The service launched in August 2013, marking BT Group's major entry into the sports broadcasting market, directly challenging the long-standing dominance of Sky UK. The channels ceased broadcasting under the BT Sport brand in February 2024, following a joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery that rebranded the service as TNT Sports.

History

The venture was announced in 2012 as part of a strategic move by BT Group to expand its BT Consumer division and compete with Sky UK in the lucrative pay-TV sector. Securing exclusive rights to Premier League football matches from the 2013–14 season was a pivotal moment, establishing its credibility. In 2021, BT Group and Warner Bros. Discovery formed a joint venture, merging the operations with Eurosport UK. This partnership culminated in the full rebrand to TNT Sports in 2024, ending the BT Sport name after over a decade. Key executives during its operation included Marc Allera and the former Director of Channels, Jamie Hindhaugh.

Programming

Its schedule was dominated by live football, including exclusive coverage of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and Premier League matches. The channels also broadcast major events in rugby union, such as the Gallagher Premiership and European Rugby Champions Cup, and held significant rights in MotoGP, the NBA, and UFC events. Original programming included discussion shows like *BT Sport Score* and documentaries such as *The Big Interview*, often hosted by prominent figures like Jake Humphrey. Coverage of Women's Super League football and FA Cup matches also featured prominently.

Sports rights

It aggressively acquired a portfolio of premium rights, most notably winning a package of Premier League live matches in a landmark 2012 auction. From 2015, it held exclusive UK rights to the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, a deal later shared with Sky UK. Other major holdings included exclusive live coverage of the Aviva Premiership (later Gallagher Premiership) and the European Rugby Champions Cup. It also held rights to Boxing events from promoters like Frank Warren, Major League Baseball, and the AEW wrestling programme.

Presentation and on-air talent

Presentation was centered from the International Broadcast Centre in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, featuring multiple studios with augmented reality technology. High-profile signings from rival broadcasters defined its on-air team, including lead presenter Jake Humphrey, pundits like Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard, and commentators such as Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist. Renowned figures like Clare Balding hosted its rugby coverage, while Suzanne Wrack and Casey Stoney were prominent in its women's football output.

Technology and distribution

The service was a pioneer in ultra-high-definition broadcasting, launching a 4K channel and offering HDR coverage. It developed the innovative BT Sport App, which offered multi-view streaming, 360-degree video, and optional Dolby Atmos sound. Distribution was primarily through Sky UK's satellite platform, Virgin Media's cable network, and via the BT TV set-top box. The service was also available for direct subscription through BT Sport Monthly Pass and was a key component of the EE Smart plan.

Criticism and controversies

The service faced criticism for its subscription model and the fragmentation of sports rights, particularly after taking the UEFA Champions League from ITV. The 2020 decision to broadcast Premier League matches behind an additional paywall on PPV during the COVID-19 pandemic was widely condemned by fan groups. It also received complaints over the frequent relocation of certain rugby union fixtures to its digital-only platform, BT Sport Extra. The joint venture with Warner Bros. Discovery and subsequent rebranding led to concerns over job losses and the future direction of sports broadcasting under the new TNT Sports entity.

Category:Sports television channels in the United Kingdom Category:BT Group