Setanta Loses Key Sports Rights

LONDON: Rights to selected English Premier League and Scottish Premier League games are up for grabs, after ailing Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports failed to make two crucial rights payments.

Setanta had till Friday to make a final £10 million payment to the English Premier League for 46 games for next season. The EPL was today shopping those rights to other broadcasters, with Sky and ESPN seen as likely victors in the bid, expected to take 23 games each. Meanwhile, the Scottish Premier League is said to be seeking a new deal after Setanta was unable to make its £3 million payment. Setanta last year extended its SPL contract beyond 2010 for a reported £125 million.

After failing to meet its revenue and subscriber targets, Setanta is exploring its options, including looking for a buyer as it attempts to avoid filing for bankruptcy.