CMA launches review into BT Sport-Eurosport merger

The merger of BT Sport and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Eurosport is set to be reviewed by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

In a statement published by the CMA, the regulator said that it has until July 28 to make its phase 1 decision on whether the tie-up would negatively impact competition in the country. 

It said: “The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.”

The merger inquiry was officially launched on May 31. 

Announced last month, the 50:50 joint venture will see the production and operational assets of BT Sport transferred to and become a wholly owned subsidiary of Warner Bros. Discovery. 

The combined entity will have a packed portfolio of sports rights including UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, the Premier League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, the Olympic Games, tennis Grand Slams featuring the Australian Open and Roland-Garros, cycling Grand Tours including the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia and the winter sports World Cup season.