Sky is to launch a new sports channel in basic pay to all UK and Ireland subscribers. From the summer Sky Sports Mix will include a cross section of live sport including football, golf from Europe and the US and international cricket as part of the basic subscription package.
The broadcaster says Sky Sports Mix will be available in the same number of Sky TV homes as Sky Sports News HQ, which has an annual reach of 17 million viewers.
Sky Sports managing director, Barney Francis, said: “Sky Sports Mix will bring sport to more people and provide many different ways of enjoying our coverage, from high-profile live events and fascinating documentaries to clips of incredible moments. Our aim is to offer sport in a way that can engage, encourage and excite everyone even further.”
Competitions that will be included on Sky Sports Mix include La Liga, MLS, FIFA World Cup 2018 qualifiers, as well as a select number of Premier League and Football League matches. BT, which is contractually obliged to broadcast a number of Champions League games free-to-air does so through its Freeview channel BT Showcase.
Sky Sports Mix will also bring Sky’s long-standing commitment to women’s sport to a broader audience, with live women’s golf, cricket and netball. There will also be a number of feature and masterclass shows.