Nordic streaming service Viaplay is reportedly in talks to purchase Premier Sports, in a move that would shore up its launch in the UK market.Bloomberg reported Wednesday that a deal could come before the end of the month.Premier Sports’ linear channel is available on Sky and Virgin Media. It also has its own streaming app. The platform has rights to Scottish football, La Liga and Rugby League. It was founded in 2009 by Michael O’Rourke, the Irish businessman, who had also been a partner in Setanta Sports.When Viaplay launches later this year it will have rights to Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish national team football. It also has the UK rights to the National Hockey League (NHL) up to the 2026-2027 season.The premium sports market in the UK is increasingly tight with Premier, Sky, DAZN and a rejuvenated BT Sport under Eurosport owner Discovery all jostling for subscribers and rights. The public broadcasters, including Channel 4, continue to be major players in sports rights in part because of their universal reach.Broadband TV News has reached out to Viaplay and Premier Sports.Viaplay said it did not comment on speculation; Premier Sports was unable to respond immediately.
Copyright © 2022 Broadband TV News.