Eurosport will merge with TNT Sports in the coming months, sparking fears over free-to-air coverage for certain events.
The change will occur on February 28, meaning the channels, which have broadcast major sporting events including the Tour de France, snooker majors and the tennis Grand Slams, will join with TNT Sports.
Warner Bros. Discovery, who own TNT Sports, bought Eurosport back in 2014. And they have confirmed the plans, insisting it is a way to “simplify” their offering for fans.
WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young said: “Combining Eurosport and TNT Sports content in the UK and Ireland will enable us to offer a single, premium viewing experience for sports fans.
“We know audiences are looking for a slightly simpler journey on where to find the sport they love.
“This move will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners, as we continue our 35 years plus commitment to investment and championing of sport on our screens.”
Eurosport were also the lead broadcaster for the 2024 Olympics after winning the rights in a deal back in 2020. But while there are fears over free-to-air coverage of certain events, its understood that the Olympics will not be affected, where rights are shared with the BBC.
Other key events like will now be broadcast on TNT Sports and available to stream on Discovery+. Viewers will have to stump up £30.99, though, for the premium version of the streaming site.
It emerged earlier this week that TNT Sports were set to acquire the rights to the Six Nations, again leaving questions over the future of an event which has been free-to-air.
Young added on the merger: “We’re building out the best sports and entertainment profile we have in this country. People can choose to make their decision as to how they want to engage with us in the short term. We are investing in cycling.
“What’s more important is the ecosystem of sports content in this market, and for sports fans now to come to one destination, and not try and pick which destination they’ve got to go to.”
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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