BT is searching for a ‘prestigious’ 40,000 sq ft hub for its premium sports channel which hits the screens early next year. The Daily Telegraph reports that sources suggest the telecommunications giant has looked at a number of possible sites, both within and outside London, capable of accommodating offices, television studios and editing suites.
These include the iconic BT Tower, which once dominated the London skyline, but it is believed this has been ruled out because the ceilings in the Grade 11 listed building are too low. The company’s commercial property team is now understood to be in negotiations over another potential space and it is thought a deal could be concluded within the next few weeks. This is expected to be either the Shard or the Olympic Park at Stratford.
The BT Tower, opened in 1965, was once the tallest building in London
The company has spent £1 billion on the rights to broadcast 38 live Premier League games a year over the coming three seasons. In addition it will also show top tier football matches from Italy, France, Brazil and the USA. The channel will also have exclusive rights to Premiership Rugby.
BT has already registered a number of trademarks for the channel (or channels) with BT Sport considered to be the most likely. Ex BoxNation chief executive Simon Green has been appointed to head the channel while Sky’s match director Grant Best has also been hired.
BT was an official sponsor of the Games and the sporting associations of the Olympic Park are clearly advantageous. On the other hand taking up space within the Shard would mean that, once again, the company would be housed in the tallest building in London. Wherever BT Sport ends up it is poised to become a serious player in sports broadcasting and either landmark site would give the brand a huge boost ahead of the launch of the channel which is expected to be in March.
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