Eleven Sports has scored a second major rights deal, taking the UK coverage rights for Serie A from BT in a three year deal.
The broadcaster also has exclusive rights to LaLiga in a previously confirmed deal which sees the contest move from Sky.
The firm will launch two channels – Eleven Sports 1 and Eleven Sports 2 – “via an online streaming platform” and says it’s in discussions with other major UK and Irish platforms “to offer the widest possible access to the premium action available on the service.”
Eleven Sports 1 will be dedicated to football while Eleven Sports 2 will provide LIVE premium fight sports, Esports and extreme sports for dedicated fans, plus football overspill from Eleven Sports 1
“Serie A has a dedicated following in the UK and Ireland and there is now added interest following Juventus’ signing of global superstar Cristiano Ronaldo,” said Marc Watson, Executive Chairman and Group CEO, Eleven Sports.”
With more top-tier rights to come in addition to Serie A and LaLiga, Eleven Sports’ entry in to the UK and Ireland has changed the market dynamics.
“History has shown new rivals bring innovation and fresh thinking to the ways in which premium sports action is produced, packaged and distributed for fans.”
Today’s news means that football fans wanting to watch every televised match from the biggest competitions will need to take out subscriptions to Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon’s Prime Video – which scooped the rights to boxing day premier league games – and Eleven Sports.