ESPN, Sky: Classic launch?

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Disney's sports group ESPN is in discussions with BSkyB about introducing a 24-hour sports channel in the UK, according to The Times. A version of ESPN Sports Classics is already distributed to European cable systems.

The companies are negotiating a British launch of ESPN Classic Sport, which replays famous footage from past sporting events, such as the football match between England and Germany in 2000 at Wembley Stadium. The financial terms of a potential deal are unknown.

George Bodenheimer, co-chairman of Disney's Media Networks division, said earlier this year that ESPN hoped to have a British channel operating within 12 to 18 months. ESPN has since held discussions with NTL and Telewest, the cable operators, but its talks with BSkyB have progressed the furthest. ESPN already sells content to the satellite broadcaster, including the Indy Racing League and its annual Indy 500 motor race.

A UK carriage agreement would potentially add seven million DTH subscribers to the 14 million homes in France and Italy, where the service was launched two years ago.