Setanta Sports To Go Dark In The UK

Troubled Irish-based Setant Sports went into administration in the United Kingdom on Tuesday.

As for Setanta Sports USA, that network is expected to continue broadcasting, as are Setanta's other international operations, including the one in the Republic of Ireland.

No more Setanta Sports News, though.


UPDATE: Setanta went off the air in Great Britain as of 6:00 PM local time this evening (10:00 AM Pacific Time).

Big News From ESPN

ESPN won UK cablecasting rights to the English Premier League that had been forfeited by Satanta Sports.

Here in the States, the "Worldwide Leader in Sports" has purchased a piece of GOL TV's rights to telecast Spain's La Liga.

No Premiership Telecasts In UK On Setanta Sports

Having failed to meet a 5PM local time (9 AM Pacific Time) deadline to pay the first installment on a roughly $49 Million fee to the English Premier League for their part of the television rights to air EPL games this coming season, Setanta Sports have lost their right to carry Premiership contests in the United Kingdom.

Also, the deal that would have resulted in Russian-born American industrialist Len Blavatnik buying a 51% share in Setanta Sports fell through.

Becasue of a separate deal to carry EPL games here in the States, it looks like Premiership contests will still air this coming season on Setanta Sports here in this country.

How Will Rugby And Aussie Rules Fans Get Their Fix?

I'll believe when I see it.

Champions League Final: Personal Thoughts

As I was watching the first nine or so minutes of Wednesday's Champions League final, I noticed that Manchester United were running on all cylinders and looked like a threat to perhaps make things rough for Barcelona. After Samuel Eto'o scored at 10 minutes, it looked like the Catalains began to exert control over the match, and after Lionel Messi's insurance tally at 70 minutes, the Red Devils really lost what steam they had left.

This game was also a testament to the growing popularity of Europe's elite club championship here in the States.

The pressure is going to be on Fox Soccer Channel to deliver close o the numbers ESPN/ESPN 2 produced for their coverage.