BSkyB Told It’s Not Just Your Ball

Satellite giants BSkyB have been warned that they have to let go of their stranglehold on the Premiership TV rights and share with their rivals if they don’t want an expensive battle with the regulators. BSkyB is initially accused of keeping down competition by limiting distribution to Premiership games.

It is an exciting prospect, and Ofcom ( the media regulators ), said, “Sky would be required to supply its premium sports and movies channels on a suitable wholesale basis which is commercially viable, in particular, subject to certain conditions in relation to wholesale pricing.”

Future plans could see Premiership games being broadcast live over the Internet and opening up competition for companies wishing to stream live games. For premiership betting punters it might even allow the big betting companies a chance to integrate live streaming to account holders who would then pay an added membership fee to watch the live games.