ESPN AND BT
BT Group and ESPN announced Monday that they have agreed that BT will acquire ESPN’s UK and Ireland TV channels business. These primarily comprise the ESPN and ESPN America channels and their live sports rights portfolio, including the FA Cup, Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League, UEFA Europa League, and the German Bundesliga.
Click here for more information.
Barclays Premier League 2012/2013
ESPN continues to hold Barclays Premier League television rights in the UK for the 2012/2013 season and we’re looking forward to continuing our coverage of the league.
When the season kicks off in August, we’ll be bringing fans coverage of the Barclays Premier League as well as a whole host of other great British and international sport including the FA Cup, UEFA Europa League, Scottish Premier League, Serie A, Premiership Rugby, golf, darts, UFC, NBA and much more.
You can also look forward to another great season of the ESPN Goals app, which brings video clips of every goal from every game direct to your mobile device.
Sports is a dynamic industry, and one that often has changes. However we’re looking forward to next season with an outstanding range of sports, including the Premier League.
For a full list of ESPN content and the up-coming matches please go to: Sports on ESPN.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
ESPN is looking to acquire more rights and we’re always keen to hear from our viewers.
To make a suggestion please go to: Feedback.
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Who are ESPN?
Based in Bristol (CT), on the East coast of the USA, ESPN, Inc. is the world’s leading multinational, multimedia sports entertainment company featuring a portfolio of over 50 multimedia sports assets. ESPN is 80 percent owned by ABC, Inc., which is an indirect subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company. The Hearst Corporation holds a 20 percent interest in ESPN.
In the UK, ESPN includes a portfolio of television and digital brands, including:
- TV CHANNELS:
- ESPN, available on Sky channel 417, Virgin channel 529, Talk Talk TV channel 555, and on channel 34 on Freeview platforms. Also available in stunning high definition on Sky and Virgin (HD subscribers only)
- ESPN Classic, the only channel dedicated to greatest sporting moments,
available on Sky channel 425 and Virgin channel 533
- ESPN America, the only channel dedicated to North American sports,
available on Sky channel 426, Virgin channel 531 and Talk Talk TV channel 566
- INTERNET:
- STREAMING VIDEO:
- MOBILE:
- ESPN Goals, for video coverage of every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile
- SPORTING EVENT:
For further information on ESPN please go to: About ESPN.
What can I watch on ESPN?
ESPN brings you a fantastic selection of British, European and international sports. With a line-up that includes the Barclays Premier League, the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, the FA Cup, as well as the Aviva Premiership, UFC fights, and the top American leagues, we’re sure there will be something for every fan.
ESPN is a 24/7 live sports channel with action packed-shows from all around the world, showcasing top class competitions from Great Britain, Europe, the US and Australia.
For a full list of ESPN content and the up-coming matches please go to:
For a full list of ESPN content and the up-coming matches please go to: Sports on ESPN.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Where can I get ESPN and how much is it?
ESPN is available on the leading digital TV providers in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland. Please note that we are unable to sign you up to ESPN ourselves.
To subscribe and watch ESPN, you will need to contact your digital TV provider directly:
- In the UK:
- In the Republic of Ireland:
- To watch ESPN on satellite: Sky
- To watch ESPN on cable: UPC
For contact information about these digital TV providers please go to: Subscribe
ESPN is currently not available to Freesat customers, and is no longer available for new customers of Talk Talk, so please sign up through one of the TV providers listed here or register your details to receive the latest news.
How can I get ESPN on Freeview?
Q. Do you have a Freeview set-top box with card slot, or digital TV with card slot?
A. You can subscribe to ESPN by calling Top Up TV on 08444 157 997.
Alternatively, click here for more information.
Q. Do you have a Freeview box, or digital TV recorder, but no card slot?
A. Sorry, you can’t presently receive ESPN through your set-top box, but you could:
- Buy a Top Up TV card adapter (they are called CAM, for Conditional Access Module) from your local electrical retailer, or get one for free when you subscribe to ESPN for 12 months from Top Up TV.
The CAM will simply slot into the back of your TV. For more information, click here or simply contact Top Up TV on 08444 157 997.
- Alternatively, subscribe to ESPN through one of the digital TV providers listed here.
Can I use my Setanta CAM to receive ESPN?
If you have a digital TV set, you probably have a CI slot (or Common Interface slot), designed to accept a CAM, or Conditional Access Module, which you can slide a credit-card-sized subscription card to receive ESPN.
Your existing Top Up TV or Setanta Sports viewing card can still be used, but you will need to call 08444 157 997 to get it re-activated.
If you require a CAM you can buy one from most major electronics retailers for around £25.
How can I get ESPN on Talk Talk TV?
TalkTalk TV is no longer available for new customers. A next-generation TV offering will be launched in the coming months. More information is available at YouView.com. Existing TV Customers are unaffected and can continue to enjoy TalkTalk TV.
To find out more specific information about TalkTalk, call 0871 222 3311 or click here: latest news from Talk Talk TV.
Can I watch ESPN outside my house?
If you are away from your television, you can also watch great sporting action on your computer and your phone:
- New: ESPN Goals offers on demand video coverage of every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile (check terms and conditions with your mobile operator)
- To watch ESPN live on your phone or on your computer please go to: Sky Go. You can also watch ESPN Classic, live and on demand, on Sky Go at no extra cost (check terms and conditions with Sky directly).
- For other great sporting content online, including live and on demand NHL, NCAA Basketball and NCAA Football, please go to: ESPN Player
How can I get ESPN for a commercial premise?
If you are representing a pub, club, bar, betting premise, hotel or any other commercial premise, you will need to contact Sky Business directly. Click here for more information.
I have a technical issue. Who should I contact?
For all technical information please contact your Digital TV provider or manufacturer.
Please note that we are unable to assist you on hardware and software delivered to you by your Digital TV provider or electronics retailers. To get help receiving ESPN at home, you will need to contact directly:
- In the UK:
- In the Republic of Ireland:
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on satellite: Sky
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on cable: UPC
Why can’t I just pay for one match only?
ESPN has a large library of sporting programming, and has exclusive rights to a range of sporting events that are shown live throughout the year.
ESPN brings you a fantastic selection of British, European and international sports. With a line-up that includes Barclays Premier League, Scottish Premier League, Europa League, premier leagues of Italy, Germany, Holland and Russia, all available in stunning high definition, we’re sure there will be something for every fan.
Other live sports are also heavily featured with hand-picked international Football matches, Rugby from the Aviva Premiership and from the best teams in France, Aussie Rules Football, Ultimate Fighting Championship, X Games, Touring Car races, as well as the top American leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL and MLB), and the greatest action from College Football and Basketball. Additionally the schedule is jam-packed with ESPN’s classic boxing fights and magazines like the ICC’s ‘Cricket World’ and UFC ‘all access’.
For a full list of ESPN content and the up-coming matches please go to: Sports on ESPN.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
ESPN is looking to acquire more rights and we’re always keen to hear from our viewers. To make a suggestion please go to: Feedback.
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Furthermore, by signing up to ESPN you will usually get 3 action packed channels at no extra costs including ESPN, ESPN Classic and ESPN America (for terms and conditions please contact you Digital TV provider):
- ESPN Classic is a 24/7 sports channel featuring the greatest games, stories, heroes and memories in the history of sport, with a mix of all-time classic highlights, matches, interviews, profiles and documentaries.
- ESPN America is the only network in Europe completely dedicated to bringing you the very best of North American sports, broadcasting over 800 live and as-live sports events each year from Major League Baseball (MLB) and National Hockey League (NHL) to NCAA American Football and Basketball.
Is there video on demand?
Currently ESPN does not offer video on demand.
However you can always watch great sporting action on your computer and your phone:
- New: ESPN Goals offers on demand video coverage of every Barclays Premier League match on your mobile (check terms and conditions with your mobile operator)
- ESPNplayer.com offers great sporting content, including live and on demand NHL, NCAA Basketball and NCAA Football
- ESPN Classic offers a selection of on demand content on Sky Go at no extra cost if you are a Sky subscriber (check terms and conditions with Sky directly)
Where can I find Programme schedules?
ESPN is a 24/7 live sports channel with action packed-shows from all around the world, showcasing top class competitions from Great Britain, Europe, the US and Australia.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
For a full list of ESPN content and the up-coming matches please go to:
ESPN is looking to acquire more rights and we’re always keen to hear from our viewers. To make a suggestion please go to: Feedback..
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
What can I watch in HD?
ESPN currently offers a number of programmes broadcasted in HD including:
Please note that HD content is currently available to Sky+ HD and V+ HD (Virgin) subscribers only.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
* currently not available in the Republic of Ireland
Who are the hosts and commentators on ESPN?
If you’d rather watch football:
Ray Stubbs hosts ESPN’s football coverage, joined by co-hosts Rebecca Lowe and Kevin Keegan.
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Darrell Currie also join Ray and Rebecca on the presenting team.
Jon Champion and Derek Rae are ESPN’s commentators, with years of top flight match commentary between them. Jon is assisted by former England footballer Chris Waddle and former Manchester City manager Joe Royle.
With a combined broadcasting experience spanning BBC television and radio, ITV, Sky, CNN, Channel 5, Setanta and ESPN the team brings football fans an incredible wealth of sporting knowledge as well as energy and enthusiasm.
In addition to the live football coverage, and all the pre- and post-match analysis, ESPN currently has three studio shows per week:
- “Talk Of The Terrace“
Mondays at 6.30pm, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman invite opinionated contributions from football fans to have your say, on live TV, on the big issues surrounding the game.
- “ESPN FC Press Pass” Big opinions and heated debate concerning all things football-related, from the ESPN studios. Pundits from around the world debate the beautiful game’s biggest talking points.
- “Pardon The Interruption (PTI)“
Mondays at 10.30pm, Mark Chapman and Steve Bunce host the UK version of ESPN’s sports news entertainment show, with Robbie Savage also making an appearance.
If you’d rather watch rugby:
Austin Healey, the former England international, is ESPN’s lead analyst to cover the Aviva Premiership. In the commentating booth, Nick Mullins is ESPN’s chief commentator alongside Mark Durden-Smith, Ben Kay, the six-time Rugby Premiership winner and Rugby World Cup-winning former England International, and reporter Sarra Elgan.
For the latest Programming schedules please go to: Schedule.
Alternatively, to receive weekly sport updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Why can’t I watch the Europa League in Ireland?
ESPN currently holds the right to show the Europa League in the UK only. Please check News & Updates for the latest news.
Alternatively, to receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Can you explain the late scheduling changes?
We do apologise for the apparent late change to the schedule.
ESPN does its very best to provide sports fans with a first-rate television service. Unfortunately, due to the nature of live sport events ESPN has to prioritize content such as live events and show what would appeal to the majority of viewers, which sometimes interrupts published schedules.
We are very sorry for the inconvenience caused to you and hope that this clarifies the situation for you. We can assure you that we do everything in our power to minimise any interruptions and keep to our published schedules.
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
Why does BT Vision and Top Up TV cut off at night?
If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on freeview through BT Vision or Top Up TV, you can currently watch the channel during these hours only:
- 2:00pm – 04:00am from Monday to Friday
- 11:00am – 06:00am on Saturdays
- 11:00am – 04:00am on Sundays
While you can watch the full uninterrupted ESPN, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on the other Digital TV providers currently carrying the channel, ESPN does its very best to provide the best experience for all sport fans and is currently working on delivering a 24hour service for all of its viewers.
To receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
How can I keep up with what’s on ESPN?
To find out the latest news on what’s on ESPN please check News & Updates regularly, as we’re updating the website on a daily basis.
Alternatively, to receive the latest updates in your mailbox please go to: Keep up to date.
How can I give feedback to ESPN?
We’re always keen to hear from you. If you would like to provide ESPN with some feedback, whether it is a compliment, complaint or even suggestions please fill out a Feedback. Rest assured we’ll read all messages, however please note that we cannot respond to feedback individually.
To contact us please go to: Feedback I want to cancel my subscription to ESPN.
For all queries related to the contract you signed to subscribe to ESPN you must contact your Digital TV provider.
Please note that we are unable to cancel your contract with your Digital TV provider. To check your customer account or unsubscribe and cancel your subscription to ESPN, you will need to contact directly:
- In the UK:
- In the Republic of Ireland:
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on satellite: Sky
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on cable: UPC
What employment opportunities are there at ESPN?
At ESPN we want to hire the most talented and innovated people possible. Being a global organisation, we have jobs available across the world and spanning many disciplins. To search for jobs at ESPN, please visit our careers website at ESPN Careers.
I have a business enquiry. Who should I contact?
To contact ESPN EMEA limited for business purposes please go to:Feedback, specify your type of enquiry and fill in the form.
Alternatively you can visit our corporate websites for more information:
My Top Up TV Viewing Card Has Stopped Working
The ESPN channel requires the viewing card to be kept ‘active’ by over the air signalling techniques.
An active/paying customer will automatically receive these signals on a repeat basis to maintain the viewing rights for a period of 62 days in advance.
Every ten days, the expiry date of the subscription operator is advanced to maintain the 62 day period.
However, if a customer does not tune to a channel that carries our signalling (ESPN, QVC, GOLD, HOME, TUTV Anytime, Sky Sports, etc.) during this period, then their card will not be kept refreshed and viewing is lost.
However, if a customer is active and has lost ESPN viewing, the system will still be sending refresh signals to it and if the customer tunes to ESPN and waits for a maximum of 40 minutes, the card will be ‘hit’ and the dates will then be automatically advanced and viewing restored.
Simple tips to avoid viewing loss:
1. Watch ESPN or any other of the channels listed above to receive the refresh signals.
2. If you have set-up My Account on the TopUpTV website, then go to the top of this web page (the one you’re on)and login to My Account. Once logged in, you can select Viewing Packs and self reauthorise your viewing card by selecting Re-Enable viewing card on the right hand side of the page! Leave your TV tuned to ESPN on Channel 34 for 30 minutes and your viewing should be restored.
3. There are other reasons for a loss of viewing and these are explained within the Help Centre on the TopUpTV website:
http://www.topuptv.com/help+centre/common+questions/#ESPN+black+screen
ESPN on Sky Go
Sky Go is the home of online ESPN content. We have a number of programs available to our subscribers via the Sky Go app on laptops, PCs and mobile devices.
Watch
- The Barclays Premier League
- Independent European football leagues
- College Sports
- MLB Baseball regular season
- UFC
- Motorsports
- And much more………
Sky Go and the Europa League
The Sky Go service provided by Sky broadcast one joint feed across both UK and Republic of Ireland.
ESPN holds the Rights for the UEFA Europa League for the UK only. The UEFA Europa League is owned by a different Rights Holder in ROI.
Because the Sky Go feed is joint UK and ROI the UEFA Europa matches cannot be broadcast on SkyGo – but are on ESPN and ESPN HD TV channels. It’s not possible for UK Sky ESPN subscribers to watch UEFA Europa League via SkyGo – only via TV – which is a UK dedicated ‘feed’.
We understand your disappointment, however, due to the Rights being sold to other broadcast partners, this is not something that will change this season. We hope you enjoy all other ESPN content via TV and your Sky Go service.
All information on ‘blackouts’ via Sky Go is available here – http://www.sky.com/mysky/mytv/skygo/blackout-messaging/
I want to cancel my subscription to ESPN
For all queries related to the contract you signed to subscribe to ESPN you must contact your Digital TV provider.
Please note that we are unable to cancel your contract with your Digital TV provider.
To check your customer account or unsubscribe and cancel your subscription to ESPN, you will need to contact directly:
- In the UK:
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on satellite: Sky
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on cable: Virgin Media
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on freeview: Top Up TV or BT Vision
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on other platform: TalkTalk TV
- In the Republic of Ireland:
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on satellite: Sky
- If you’ve subscribed to ESPN on cable: Chorus NTL / UPC
