Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) owned ESPN has bought the rights to the English Premier League, to be shown on mobile phones and devices, from under the noses of their main rival in the UK, British Sky Broadcasting plc (NYSE:BSY).
ESPN buys Premier League mobile rights
The deal will continue for three years, and will enable ESPN to transmit in-match and post-match highlights to mobile devices. The deal covers all 380 Premier League games.
It will be a thumb in the eye for Sky, who see themselves as architects of the success of the English Premier League, and who have invested huge amounts in buying exclusive television rights showing its matches over the past decade.
Lynne Frank, senior vice-president and managing director at ESPN said: “Mobile devices are an indispensable lifeline for football fans, who expect easy, quick access to the latest goals and action wherever they are. Adding these rights will allow us to advance our commitment to delivering great sport across the many screens UK fans use each day.”
As the number of video-enabled mobile phones grows, it seems that mobile rights will become more and more important, with people moving away from traditional methods of enjoying their video content. The amount paid by ESPN for the video rights has not been released, and there is no sign as yet regarding how much Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS)’s ESPN will be charging for the service.
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