BBC Snookers BSkyB Over Rights To Major Tournaments

The BBC has signed an £18 million four-year deal with the World Professional Billards and Snooker Association. The deal was accepted despite a more substantial offer from Rupert Murdoch’s BSkyB reported to be in the region of £100 million for a ten-year deal. The WPBSA decided that though the headline figure for the Sky offer was higher, it was concerned about the impact on the sport’s sponsors, who were said to be unhappy at the limited exposure offered by satellite television. The WPBSA expects sponsorship to bring the total value of the BBC deal to £40 million.

… It is reported that Rupert Murdoch is interested in buying part of the broadcasting rights for Italian soccer, in what could be the first rights auction by the country’s football league.

… Carlton television is rumoured to be preparing a £700 million bid for exclusive right to Premiership football. The current £304 million deal with Sky is up for renewel next year.