Kick-Off Time For New ESPN Sports Channel

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ESPN, which bought Setanta's English Premier League football rights when the Irish firm's UK arm collapsed, will be available to viewers through Sky and Virgin Media.

The channel will feature 46 live Barclays Premier League matches, starting with Everton v Arsenal on 15 August, as well as a host of live UK and international sporting fixtures in standard and high definition.

Former BBC man Ray Stubbs will lead ESPN's team of presenters. He will be joined by Rebecca Lowe, who will co-host its football coverage alongside Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Darrell Currie.

ESPN subscribers will also gain access to 30 live Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches and European football from Italy, Germany, Portugal, Russia and the Netherlands.

Rangers celebrate

The international offering will also include French rugby, Australian Rules Football and ice hockey and baseball from the US.

ESPN, ESPN America and ESPN Classic will be included within Sky's Ultimate channel pack.

Sky News owner BSkyB has confirmed that Sky Sports subscribers will be able to upgrade to ESPN and ESPN America for £9 per month while other Sky customers will be able to upgrade from £12 per month.

Lynne Frank, of ESPN, said: "Having secured the Barclays Premier League rights less than six weeks ago, we have worked tirelessly with the various leagues, rights-holders, platforms and presenters to get the new ESPN channel ready for Monday, August 3.

"We look forward to working with Sky and Virgin Media to deliver these channels to their subscribers, and will continue our discussions with all other pay-TV providers so that we can bring ESPN to as many sports fans in the UK as possible."


Source: SkyNews