Setanta to transfer rights to Fox in US
Good news, looks like we'll get to see rugby on FSC from March 1 as Setanta have announced a transfer of rights "Setanta Sports has today announced that it has reached an agreement with Fox Soccer Channel to transfer select programming rights, including many premium soccer and rugby events. Fox Soccer Channel will acquire these rights effective March 1, 2010. Setanta Sports also announced that it will cease broadcasting its channel in the United States and the Caribbean on February 28th 2010." Setanta Press Release UPDATE ABC News Story Bloomberg Story
UhOh
Not necc. good news. FSC has bought the "rights" to Setanta's programming. That doesn't mean it's going to show any rugby. FSC already has a crowded schedule, and the very name of the channel (Fox SOCCER channel) shows where its interests lie. I remember when it used to be called Fox Sports World and did show rugby. Then it stopped and changed its name and for a long time there was no rugby on tv in this country - then Setanta stepped in. Does anyone have any info on whether FSC will show rugby or whether some other broadcaster will (other than the BBC America 6 Nations deal - I know about that). Thanks!
Pat
UhOh - true but the press release states "select programming rights, including many premium soccer and rugby events" and there will be two channels FSC and FSC+HD so there will be plenty of room for rugby programing.
Drew
I've been looking high and low,but I dont see anything different. Yes,FSC bought the rights. But...ESPN has the US rights to the Spanish League,yet they dont show it. FSC should have at least some room on their schedule,especially if they get rid of the infomercials in the mornings.
Pat
Nothing will change until March 1 and the launch of FSC+ HD, Setanta will continue to broadcast with it's usual schedule until February 28.
UhOh
All I'm saying is, Rupert Murdoch has shown zero comittment in the past to broadcasting rugby in this country. Maybe Super 14 since he controls a big chunk of that and maybe Super League rugby league, about which I couldn't care less. But northern hemisphere competitions? We have had it pretty good for a long time here with Setanta, at least those (like myself) who had access to it via DirecTV. I am not holding my breath for FSC to step up and fill that void. I'll be pleasantly surprised if they do.
Pat
UhOh - I agree but am trying to be as optimistic as possible as the thoughts of losing the Magners and HC would leave me in the dumps.
TonganMonk
This is sad sad sad man,setanta was good to me for showing rugby as the super 14 near i am very sad that i wont be able to watch live rugby again in the states,i pray and hope that some channel will step up and show something
crocog
Elsewhwere on the site it mentions that BBC America are showing some of the 6 Nations 2010, maybe they will step up and buy some of the northern hemisphere rights...
MrKLM
We only started subscribing to Setanta in early September and quickly fell in love with the station because of the variety of programming. The rugby was great to watch. I really hope that someone shows more of it here in america on a regular basis. ESPN, SpikeTV, Fox, anyone I don't care as long as it is shown!
John Williamson
I am in the Czech Republic. Can get Sky and local channels . Has anyone any idea who will be showing the six nations here. I cannot find anyone