BBC to face market tests on sports rights bids

The BBC may face benchmarking tests on all sports rights bids under new BBC Trust plans.

The Trust is thought to be considering subjecting all sports rights to a fair market test to ensure the BBC does not overpay for rights, according to reports.

It is understood that the proposals might come in to action after the Trust’s sports rights review, which is due to be conducted later this year and concluded by 2011.

However, the plans are likely to be unpopular within the corporation as fair market and benchmarking tests are time-consuming and could restrict the BBC’s ability to compete for sports rights.

The BBC’s sports rights handling first came under scrutiny after the National Audit Office ruled that the corporation’s coverage does not provide value for money.

At the time, the BBC director general Mark Thompson disputed NAO’s report and figures, claiming that the Euro 2008 costings were incorrect.

In a statement released today, the BBC Trust denied claims that it plans to introduce fair market tests on sports rights, saying “the process of individual rights is an operational matter”.