ESPN Classic Strikes BBC Archive Deal
As part of a channel revamp, ESPN Classic has struck a content deal with the BBC to screen programming from the terrestrial broadcaster’s sports archive.
The deal covers 80 hours of BBC archive footage including the 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany as well as content from FA Cup matches, international football, Formula One, Test cricket, international rugby, horseracing and sports documentaries.
The revamp of ESPN Classic is the first since sister channel ESPN launched in the UK in 2009 with live FA Premier League football.
New on-air graphics and music will accompany the revamp, with five artists portraying 20 of the most famous sporting stars of all time.
Other new series on the channel include Legends of the Barclays Premier League, focusing on the finest footballers to have played in the top flight, and UEFA Euros: The Official Story.
Ross Hair, the managing director of ESPN Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: ‘It reinforces ESPN Classic’s position as a part of the growth and vision of our business in the region and our ongoing strategy to create more continuity between the channels and brands in our portfolio.’
