Rupert Murdoch’s News UK considering BT Sport deal

Rupert Murdoch is reportedly considering making a move to buy BT Sport.

Last month, BT CEO Phillip Jansen confirmed that the company was “open-minded” on selling its sports broadcaster as it refocuses its efforts on building out its fibre-to-the-home network across the UK.

Now according to The Telegraph, the News UK owner has reportedly held talks with BT about a potential partnership. The report states that the controversial Australian billionaire is seeking to reinforce his position in the UK amid declines in newspaper profitability that forced News UK to write down the accounting value of The Sun to zero.

A deal with BT would also create an entry point into TV following a failed attempt from News UK to launch a far-right news channel. The company already has a significant presence in radio, following its £220 million acquisition of TalkSport-owner Wireless Group in 2017.

An agreement between Murdoch and BT is far from a done deal however, with bankers from Lazard appointed by the operator to secure a deal. 

The report notes that BT is also in talks with DAZN over a deal which could emulate the sports streamer’s partnership with TIM in Italy. BT is also said to be in talks with ITV and Discovery.