By Duncan Mackay
December 9 – ESPN signed a four-year deal £60 million deal today to broadcast live FA Cup matches in Britain to fill the void left by collapsed network Setanta.
It is the Football Association’s first deal with ESPN’s British operation, who this year began screening Premier League matches after capturing the rights left vacant following the collapse of Irish broadcaster Setanta in June.
They have now moved into fill the FA Cup void Setanta left and have signed an agreement that entitles them to broadcast 25 matches, including one exclusive semi-final match and joint screening of the FA Cup final with ITV.
Ian Watmore, the chief executive of the FA, said: ”As a global broadcaster, who have already demonstrated a strong presence in the UK, ESPN will give our football great visibility and we look forward to an excellent partnership with them.
“Whilst it’s a very different market to two years ago, we have nevertheless taken our time and as a result have received some strong, credible bids.”
This season’s FA Cup games will continue to be shown only by ITV in Britain.
For the current season, the FA will broadcast up to two games from each round of the FA Cup on its website. The official body will also “continue to host games online in the future as the project expands”.
ESPN’s new contract also includes rights to show England Under-21 home fixtures and the women’s Super League, which launches in 2011.
ESPN EMEA vice president of TV channels Jeroen Oerlemans said: “The FA Cup is one of the great UK sports properties and will add to an already strong lineup of top-quality football on ESPN.
“We look forward to bringing these matches to our fans in brilliant HD.
“We are delighted to have been awarded these exclusive domestic rights, which are another significant step in growing our presence in the UK.”