I signed up to Setanta specifically for Calzaghe v Kessler on a cheap deal. Since then I watch all the boxing, but also the Saturday teatime Premiership game. My mate, a fringe boxing fan, signed up for the odd Spurs games, and all the England games. The biggest ever viewing figures was for the Monday night merseyside Derby. Without the premiership my mate will immediately cancel his contract. If ESPN come in and get the other Premiership packages, will they lose their subscriber base? This will massively impact on us bearing in mind we could only get 822 signatures on the boxing channel petition. Obviously it is Football that sustains setanta
It is a bit of a blow for them, losing half their premiership football and they've lost their biggest star on the boxing front. Guess they can try and get some championship football or something and the olympians would give thier boxing a big boost. They still have UFC and England games though so they'll do alright.
Still think Setanta will survive, they have struggles with some of the footy here in UK, but they are still a big company who broadcast internationally.
I think losing the footy may be a blessing. They screen a wide range of sports.... I get it mainly for the boxing but as I have an interest in rugby league can catch the NRL action. People are turning away from football anyway I'd say (gradually) therefore whether intentional or not it may help Setanta. I would guess their subscribers don't subscribe for football - after all there is more than enough on Sky. England games.... well most people just go to the boozer anyway!
tbh, i think the majority of people in the uk only subscribe to setanta for the football, so wouldn't be surprised if this costs them alot of subscribers.
