UEFA Champions League 21-24: FTA on RTE&VMTV, LiveScore other matches

icdg · 03-03-2021 5:00pm

Your guess is as good as mine on that one.

dohboy · 03-03-2021 5:22pm

What are the viewing figures for mid-week Champions League games like these days? The group stages is such a flabby non-event I can't imagine many people will be swayed to sign up for another package to watch them.

Delta2113 · 03-03-2021 5:29pm

Nobody mentioned Vodafone or even Three -maybe a free app -just a thought.

iseegirls · 03-03-2021 6:09pm

dohboy wrote: »

What are the viewing figures for mid-week Champions League games like these days? The group stages is such a flabby non-event I can't imagine many people will be swayed to sign up for another package to watch them.

For adults (15+)
RTE2 - 16 Feb - Leipzig v Liverpool 200,000
VM2 - 16 Feb - Barca V PSG 70,600

VM2 - 17 Feb - Porto V Juventus 77,000

RTE2 - 23 Feb - Ath Madrid v Chelsea 150,700
VM2 - 23 Feb - Lazio v Bayern Munich (below 43,000)

VM2 - 24 Feb - Borussia M'bach V Man City 72,100

And just for comparison, on VM2, the following gets on average:
17:00 Tipping Point 64,000
18:00 The Chase 55,000
19:00 The Chase 68,800

And on VM3:
20:00 Heartbeat 75,000

On VM1:
19:00 Emmerdale 209,700
19:30 Corrie 242,500
20:30 Corrie 249,000

So while they now unashamedly have morphed into an Irish ITV, can see that when 20 year old episodes of Heartbeat and repeated gameshows nearly gets the same as Champions League matches, that maybe they're just not worth it for Virgin Media.

icdg · 03-03-2021 6:17pm

This interesting opinion piece follows up on the original story but doesn’t shed any more light on our mystery bidder.

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/another-round-of-tv-sports-rights-upheaval-is-well-and-truly-kicking-off-1.4498038%3fmode=amp

mike2084 · 04-03-2021 12:33am

I expect a winner will be posted here at some stage - they last updated these documents on 25th February. I understand BT have retained spillover Irish rights from a post on DigitalSpy but can't shed anymore light on that.

Scroll down to 'Media content rights sales'
https://www.uefa.com/insideuefa/documentlibrary/tenders/

icdg · 04-03-2021 1:30am

I’m not sure I’d take that particular post as gospel, although I expect that is indeed the case.

Tigerandahalf · 04-03-2021 8:19pm

If BT have retained the rights to broadcast into Ireland, I would think that would leave a free to air channel as a contender for the rights?

With BT on Now TV why would you subscribe to anything else?

Could TG4 be a runner?

Elmo · 04-03-2021 8:40pm

https://www.irishtimes.com/business/media-and-marketing/another-round-of-tv-sports-rights-upheaval-is-well-and-truly-kicking-off-1.4498038

An assumption there that Virgin Media Television were not buying this on behalf of their parent company for Virgin Media Sport. While FTA TV will consider what it pays for sporting events Virgin Media Television and Virgin Media were putting this content behind a pay wall and that's a completely different decision making process to a FTA channel broadcasting all matches for free.

Did Virgin Media put all matches on their Player for free?

...any well-backed international group can .... make “a crazy bid”,.... intent on a subscriber land grab. For broadcasters like Virgin, however, the cost of TV sports rights is almost always an outlay that requires much careful thought.

.... In the future, it faces vying with both the likes of Amazon, one of the largest companies in the world, and RTÉ, the recipient of.... licence fee funding.

icdg · 04-03-2021 9:02pm

Elmo wrote: »

Did Virgin Media put all matches on their Player for free?

No. Only free to air stuff on Virgin Media Player. I can’t even find the Europa League games they aired last Thursday. Just the highlights and magazine shows.

VM Sport needs the separate pay app, Virgin Media TV Anywhere.

Dodge · 04-03-2021 11:35pm

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

With BT on Now TV why would you subscribe to anything else?

The BT on now tv is only the broadcast channel. So no red button stuff and for Champions League that’s a big enough deal

Delta2113 · 05-03-2021 9:10am

Tigerandahalf wrote: »

If BT have retained the rights to broadcast into Ireland, I would think that would leave a free to air channel as a contender for the rights?

With BT on Now TV why would you subscribe to anything else?

Could TG4 be a runner?

- No chance!

icdg · 05-03-2021 11:06am

TG4 do not have the capacity to do what this contract demands, which is to televise 15 games over two nights each match day. I would rule out any FTA station for the same reason. VMTV only got it because they were in a position to set up the sports channel and 7 “Extra” channels on their cable system. It’s true you could use the internet to deliver but could TG4 or RTE cope with the demand? (RTE certainly not).

I think the obvious answer is still Premier Sports. But I think we’ll just have to wait until it’s announced.

Elmo · 05-03-2021 11:09am

icdg wrote: »

TG4 do not have the capacity to do what this contract demands, which is to televise 15 games over two nights each match day. I would rule out any FTA station for the same reason. VMTV only got it because they were in a position to set up the sports channel and 7 “Extra” channels on their cable system. It’s true you could use the internet to deliver but could TG4 or RTE cope with the demand? (RTE certainly not).

I think the obvious answer is still Premier Sports. But I think we’ll just have to wait until it’s announced.

I would rule out TG4 also.

but RTÉ are involved in watchloi.ie they could add it to this service.

icdg · 05-03-2021 11:43am

Elmo wrote: »

I would rule out TG4 also.

but RTÉ are involved in watchloi.ie they could add it to this service.

Personally I find it totally hypocritical of RTE to be leading a drive against what they mislabel “pay per view” in GAA matches while at the same time running such a service. But maybe that’s just me. I’m also really uncomfortable with RTE as a public service broadcaster being involved with pay TV sport but it’s not like it’s really new to them given they owned or part owned what was then the State’s largest pay TV provider for nearly 30 years.

Anyway I don’t see it happening in any case if only due to the fact that the IT seems clear what rights RTE have secured.

Tigerandahalf · 05-03-2021 1:29pm

I use BT on the Now tv app and was able to view any match I wanted to see. They have 4 channels on it and that would cover most people's viewing needs.

I can't see people subscribing to Premier just for Champions League football when people would already have Sky/Now TV for soccer and rugby.

Virgin was different in that lots of people had it for their broadband as other providers weren't an option.

This would be great for RTE or TG4 as it would push a huge amount of people towards viewing their players and drive up ad revenue.

Wait and see though.

dohboy · 05-03-2021 5:22pm

icdg wrote: »

Personally I find it totally hypocritical of RTE to be leading a drive against what they mislabel “pay per view” in GAA matches while at the same time running such a service. But maybe that’s just me. I’m also really uncomfortable with RTE as a public service broadcaster being involved with pay TV sport but it’s not like it’s really new to them given they owned or part owned what was then the State’s largest pay TV provider for nearly 30 years.

I don't get this. How is WatchLOI any different from GAAGo?

icdg · 05-03-2021 8:01pm

dohboy wrote: »

I don't get this. How is WatchLOI any different from GAAGo?

It isn’t and I wasn’t making that point at all. In fact they are built on exactly the same platform.

roadmaster · 05-03-2021 8:33pm

If Premier sports where to get the champions league they would probably need to make a move for the Pro 14 & National Hurling & Football leagues when they come up to make it worth peoples time paying for it.

icdg · 05-03-2021 8:55pm

roadmaster wrote: »

If Premier sports where to get the champions league they would probably need to make a move for the Pro 14 & National Hurling & Football leagues when they come up to make it worth peoples time paying for it.

I think they might make a move for the Allianz Leagues, if they still exist in the next contract period, and if eir Sport is looking like exiting the market. I think they’ll walk from the Pro14 because it just doesn’t look like it’s paying its way for them in the U.K.

Dodge · 05-03-2021 9:01pm

icdg wrote: »

Personally I find it totally hypocritical of RTE to be leading a drive against what they mislabel “pay per view” in GAA matches while at the same time running such a service. But maybe that’s just me. I’m also really uncomfortable with RTE as a public service broadcaster being involved with pay TV sport but it’s not like it’s really new to them given they owned or part owned what was then the State’s largest pay TV provider for nearly 30 years.

Anyway I don’t see it happening in any case if only due to the fact that the IT seems clear what rights RTE have secured.

If it makes you feel any easier, RTE had to be dragged kicking and screaming into watchloi by the FAI and would happily ditch it completely if they didn’t think there’s be a PR backlash...

dublinman1990 · 10-03-2021 8:06pm

Will any decision on this new rights agreement be made this week or next week?

icdg · 11-03-2021 12:08am

Only UEFA know that.

mikeym · 16-03-2021 9:36pm

Does the new rights include the Europa Conference League?

Dodge · 17-03-2021 2:04pm

mikeym wrote: »

Does the new rights include the Europa Conference League?

The Europa League and Europa Conference League rights are sold together

The Super Cup rights are bundled with one of the the Champions League packages

dublinman1990 · 17-03-2021 5:00pm

This year's UFEA Super Cup will be played in Windsor Park in Belfast. Is it one of those events that have to be a broadcast to a wider audience? If it was the case that the Super Cup was not broadcast on VM this year because they may not have the rights to do it this year. Would it not be RTÉ's turn to take it up or will it shown on Premier if they get it?

Dodge · 18-03-2021 9:00pm

Definitely won’t be Eir as Eir sports comes to a close

https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/eir-quitting-sports-broadcasting-after-revenue-cut-in-half-40213592.html

mikeym · 22-03-2021 11:15pm

Now that we know that Eir Sport wont be in existence for much longer I reckon this could pave the way for a new company to enter the market.

Dazn could be that company or maybe Amazon might also be the surprise bidder.

I cant see Premier Sports getting the rights, they would have to go it alone and not be bundled with BT Sport who also have the Champions League & Europa League rights.

Elmo · 23-03-2021 11:03am

mikeym wrote: »

Now that we know that Eir Sport wont be in existence for much longer I reckon this could pave the way for a new company to enter the market.

I wonder if it will be a straight forward close down or will the replace it with something else ? "There is no immediate change to the content provided by eir sport. We are currently exploring options for the future of eir sport."

channelsurfer2 · 23-03-2021 11:15am

Elmo wrote: »

I wonder if it will be a straight forward close down or will the replace it with something else ? "There is no immediate change to the content provided by eir sport. We are currently exploring options for the future of eir sport."

it could be possible that premier will pick up the rights on the cheap and buy the assests in what would be a reversal of the previous where Eir bought setanta?

mikeym · 12-04-2021 10:34pm

I thought we would have heard some news about the new rights holder by now.

iseegirls · 12-04-2021 10:43pm

15th May 2018 was when it was last announced, so it may go on into May by time we hear.

Delta2113 · 20-04-2021 12:04am

Oz streaming service Sports Flick have held off signing rights to show the Champions League over European Super League concerns. Some say this is just an excuse as they are having difficulty with getting financial guarantees with a Bank.

Maybe Virgin Media Sports have had a lucky escape.

namloc1980 · 20-04-2021 1:58pm

Interesting to see how this plays out with the ESL news.

channelsurfer2 · 20-04-2021 2:14pm

I think the tv rights with Bt will be interesting. wont be worth a penny if none of the big six are in it.

Delta2113 · 20-04-2021 7:49pm

channelsurfer2 wrote: »

I think the tv rights with Bt will be interesting. wont be worth a penny if none of the big six are in it.

- European Super league is being called off.

Elmo · 27-05-2021 11:34am

RTÉ confirmed for Tuesday nights and final

https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2021/0527/1224211-champions-league-to-remain-on-rte-television-until-2024/

Harry Palmr · 27-05-2021 11:40am

Excellent news.

mikeym · 27-05-2021 12:16pm

The Champions League Final is on this Saturday and we still dont know who is the new rights holder that will show the matches that Virgin have.

icdg · 27-05-2021 12:32pm

We’re normally among the last territories in Europe to be announced, this is the same thing that’s happened the last few times. That said you’d have to think an announcement is imminent now that Tuesday nights are dealt with.

It’s also good to see RTE get highlights rights back - I’ve felt over the last few years that the post game seems to end very abruptly around 10pm with only a few minutes of analysis allowed - obviously this was a clause in the contract that required them to be off air by a particular point.

Delta2113 · 27-05-2021 12:35pm

"a clause in the contract that required them to be off air by a particular point" - bit far fetched.

icdg · 27-05-2021 12:56pm

Why do you think that? Such restrictions are common where rights are shared between different broadcasters for the same tournament. It would not be unknown. We don’t know of course in this instance.

Delta2113 · 27-05-2021 1:05pm

As you say we don't know but RTE hardly got told 'you make sure you finish on Tuesdays around 10pm so everybody will turn over to Virgin Media'.

It's interesting RTE got highlights back and even the final.

icdg · 27-05-2021 1:11pm

Delta2113 wrote: »

As you say we don't know but RTE hardly got told 'you make sure you finish on Tuesdays around 10pm so everybody will turn over to Virgin Media'.

It's interesting RTE got highlights back and even the final.

The final going to RTE makes me almost certain our mystery bidder for Wednesday is a pay TV company with no FTA outlet for the final. Hopefully the mystery will be unveiled shortly.

Elmo · 27-05-2021 3:00pm

icdg wrote: »

The final going to RTE makes me almost certain our mystery bidder for Wednesday is a pay TV company with no FTA outlet for the final. Hopefully the mystery will be unveiled shortly.

It is also strange that Virgin Media didn't go after the Tuesday Night rights. Especially as they are splitting Six Nations with RTÉ.

Is there a wider change happening in Virgin Media Television?

icdg · 27-05-2021 3:15pm

Elmo wrote: »

It is also strange that Virgin Media didn't go after the Tuesday Night rights. Especially as they are splitting Six Nations with RTÉ.

Is there a wider change happening in Virgin Media Television?

That’s probably more one for discussion in the VMTV thread. It seems they were outbid by our mystery bidder for the packages they currently have and then decided to pull out of bidding altogether.

There may be a wider change soon for other reasons as VM Ireland is now effectively up for sale.

Dindane · 31-05-2021 10:52am

mikeym wrote: »

The Champions League Final is on this Saturday and we still dont know who is the new rights holder that will show the matches that Virgin have.

It's looking like someone brand new to Ireland, with a lot of money to spare, and may mean watching through an app.

Delta2113 wrote: »

"a clause in the contract that required them to be off air by a particular point" - bit far fetched.

Not far-fetched. There were a few nights they had to cut discussions very obviously short as they had to be off-air. They'd have stayed on until 10:30 otherwise.

You'll notice that they have the highlights package back this time, so they can stay on longer and can show goals from other games again, which they had no rights to on the outgoing contract.

icdg · 31-05-2021 3:35pm

I’m not so sure it’s someone brand now. Premier Sports seem to be most obvious by process of elimination.

- We know it’s not RTE now.
- We can rule out TG4 on the basis that they can’t deliver what is being asked for.
- Virgin have publicly said they’re out.
- the Irish Times seem pretty sure it’s neither Amazon or DAZN
- BT already have rights to the same games (unless they want to pay for ROI exclusivity)
- Sky are unlikely to put that kind of resources into ROI only coverage.
- eir have quit sport.

Dodge · 31-05-2021 5:20pm

There’s also no guarantee that even if it is a new platform, they’ve a big budget

As the rumour was that Virgin didn’t even bid for the rights

Elmo · 31-05-2021 8:36pm

Dodge wrote: »

There’s also no guarantee that even if it is a new platform, they’ve a big budget

As the rumour was that Virgin didn’t even bid for the rights

Q: is there a need for anyone to take these non-exclusive rights? Even a pay operator?

UEFA Champions League 21-24: FTA on RTE&VMTV, LiveScore other matches

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