Ofcom is to review whether BSkyB should have to offer its key sports channels to its rivals. Sky currently has to offer Sky Sports 1 and 2 at a set price to rivals including Virgin Media and BT Vision because it is deemed to hold a dominant position in the market for premium sports rights. A new review has now begun into whether such remedies are still appropriate, given changes in the market, such as BT’s investment in sports coverage.
Ofcom is to review whether BSkyB should have to offer its key sports channels to its rivals. Sky currently has to offer Sky Sports 1 and 2 at a set price to rivals including Virgin Media and BT Vision because it is deemed to hold a dominant position in the market for premium sports rights. A new review has now begun into whether such remedies are still appropriate, given changes in the market, such as BT’s investment in sports coverage.
Ofcom said that the review had been delayed by legal challenges by Sky. In February, the Court of Appeal quashed Sky’s successful appeal against the remedies, although Sky has applied for permission to take the case to the Supreme Court.
If no agreement is reached before the next Premier League football rights auction, expected early next year, both broadcasters could end up bidding more for rights.