Lee what do you think is the best alternative to hope for, if we assume Setanta are going to go under?
I personally am hoping for a return to the ways thing to be. People forget that Sky USED to show a lot of US action and were simply outbid by Setanta. Sky could pick up the Top Rank contract on the cheap and have always seemed to have a good relationship with HBO. Just before Setanta offered silly money around Sky were showing Winky Wright vs Ike Quartey and Jermain Taylor vs Corey Spinks live. The myth says that they didn't show anything but the truth is very different...
Nope, that statement is completly wrong. Take ESPN America, the TV channel here for example. They don't just show what ESPN has the rights to in the US, they show what they have the rights to in the UK. Hence ESPN America here shows NHL from Versus and NBC, and MLB from Fox and regional channels for example. Then when it comes to the NBA, where a lot of games, including the current finals series is shown on ESPN in the states. However, as the UK rights are with Five and now Setanta, they can't show it. It would be a different entity to the ESPN that is in america, as all TV rights it bids for for non-English stuff, say IPL Cricket, US Tour Golf and Boxing for example-would be international rights and nothing to do with the host broadcaster in that country. They would deal with the BCCI, USPGA and Boxing-wise Top Rank as opposed to HBO or Showtime-i.e.the respective governing body or promoter. Think of it this way, when sky show american boxing-the deal is done with Golden Boy, or whoever the promoter is-not HBO. HBO wouldn't give a flying **** who showed their Boxing in the UK, as long as it was shown legally. Another example is that Setanta Sports North America show the English Football League, which Sky (and from next season, the BBC) own in this country. Sky aren't concerned that Setanta show the Football League in the states, its a different market. A long winded way of saying it don't matter who shows sports in respective countries, its all about agreeing international rights.
i think setanta are a lost cause now, but maybe if u had a "save Bunce's Boxing Hour" avator i would join in.:good
Sky news has just reported that Setanta staff have been called to a meeting at 9 AM tomorrow morning. It's not looking great.