THE FOOTBALL AND rugby seasons may be winding down but that doesn’t mean fans will suffer withdrawal symptons from a lack of sport over the next few months with Setanta Sports today announcing a new TV rights package.
As you probably noticed, The Sunday Game returned to our screens yesterday and there’s set to be plenty more sport to keep you entertained over the summer months.
The broadcaster has signed a three year deal with the All England Lawn Tennis club for rights to show Wimbledon exclusively in the Irish market, taking over from TG4.
“It’s wonderful to be able to bring new content to our customers so we are excited about showing such an historic Championship as Wimbledon,” Brian Quinn, Marketing Operations Director at Setanta Sports, said.
In addition to covering the showcase event of the tennis calendar, Setanta have also retained the rights for The Open Championship after a further two-year deal was signed with the R&A.
Earlier this year, Sky Sports revealed they have acquired the sole rights for the prestigious tournament from 2017 onwards but for now, it remains on free-to-air television.
“There will also be plenty of history on show at St. Andrews in July at the 144th Open including our coverage of the Champions Challenge on the Wednesday,” Quinn added.
If that’s not enough, the subscription based channel will also show all 26 games of the Copa America and the inaugural European Games in Baku where there will be a host of Irish athletes, including Katie Taylor, involved.
“It’s great to be able to announce such a wide range of new rights deals all of which bring more live sport to our customers this summer.
“Our football fans will be delighted to be able to see Messi and Neymar in action in the Copa America,” Quinn added.
Setanta had already confirmed it would be showing Ireland’s friendly against England in Dublin and Conor McGregor’s much-anticipated bout with Jose Aldo previously.
Today’s news follows the announcement by TV3 that they will show the FA Cup Final on terrestrial TV in Ireland for the first time in 17 years after securing a four-year package.
The Setanta Ireland channel is currently available as a free service on UPC and the basic Eircom package.
Setanta Sports’ summer programme:
- 24 May – 7 June: French Open
- 7 June: Republic of Ireland v England
- 11 June – 4 July: Copa America
- 12 June – 28 June: European Games, Baku
- 29 June – 12 July: Wimbledon
- 11 July: McGregor v Aldo
- 16 July – 19 July: The Open Championship
- 2 August: Community Shield
