Comments on: Setanta Considers Bidding on TV Rights to FA Cup

By: The Gaffer

The Gaffer — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 18:27:00 +0000

Oliver,

Thanks for correcting me on that. I appreciate it. Keeping track of the confusing TV rights deals is a tough job, but your site does a fantastic job of doing so (at http://www.soccertv.com).

Cheers,
The Gaffer

By: olivert

olivert — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 16:06:00 +0000

Gaffer:

International video rights are sold separately from UK domestic rights.

Under NewsCorp's current deal with the English FA, NewsCorp-managed units FOX Sports International (FSI) in the U.S. and Canada and ESPN STAR Sports (ESS) in Asia (except Japan) have the TV rights to the English FA Cup through 2008.

FSI is expected to keep the English FA Cup on a combination of FOX Soccer Channel/FOX Sports en Espanol and pay-per-view/Setanta Premium in 2008.

By: Jeff H

Jeff H — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:22:00 +0000

One interesting note: the last time these rights went for sale, they actually went for cheaper than the previous contract (by about 28%). This time, the FA is shooting for a 25% increase at least. Interesting how fortunes change sometimes. With them seeking an increase, I have a feeling the BBC will be hard pressed to keep up.

I’ll also note that nothing changes really soon on this, as this contract would not start until after the European Championships in 2008.

By: riocharlie

riocharlie — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 15:06:00 +0000

given the relatively poor quality of fsc’s presentation of the epl when compared to sentanta the switch can only be considered great news! now if we can only get some interesting matches

By: JC

JC — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:57:00 +0000

Aye, the blues get lucky again...

Chelsea vs. Blackpool / Norwich

Watford vs. Ipswich

Preston vs. Man City

Plymouth vs. Derby

Man Utd vs. Reading

Arsenal / Bolton vs. Blackburn

Bristol City / M'brough vs. West Brom

Fulham vs. Tottenham