Foxtel to keep NBA, NFL in fresh carriage deal with Disney for ESPN
The deal, which accounts for the bulk of Foxtel’s US sport offering, was among the highest profile agreements facing expiry following DAZN’s acquisition of Foxtel this year.
Foxtel will hang on to a string of major US sports in Australia, including the NBA and NFL, after the DAZN-controlled pay TV operator struck a fresh carriage agreement with Disney for its sports channel ESPN.
The deal, which is set to be announced on Monday, was one of the highest-profile sports deals coming up for expiry at Foxtel following News Corp's sale of the pay TV operator earlier this year, and locks in access to the bulk of its US sports offering.
The agreement will see Foxtel and Kayo Sports continue to carry ESPN’s broadcasts of major US sports including the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball, and NHL. ESPN also has the UFC, FIBA Asian Cup and FIBA World Cup, among other sports. The deal was struck on a “multi-year” basis, Foxtel said in a statement.
“We have enjoyed a wonderful, world-leading relationship with ESPN that spans more than two decades — a remarkable achievement in the dynamic world of media,” Foxtel CEO Patrick Delaney said in a statement.
