Eir is to rebrand Setanta Sports as eir Sport. The Irish telco is launching a new six channel eir Sport Pack that will be free to its broadband customers – a proposition similar to that which launched BT Sport in the UK.
The the eir Sport Pack comprises eir Sport 1 and eir Sport 2; BT Sport 1, BT Sport 2, BT Sport Europe and BT Sport ESPN.
Managing Director of eir’s consumer division, Jon Florsheim, said, “eir Sport is the new name in Irish broadcasting. Last year we introduced a fresh and modern identity to signal our ambition and evolution. Today is the most tangible proof point yet of our transformation as we become a broadcaster, supplying an amazing range of live sport to customers throughout Ireland.
To go alongside the rebrand, eir Sport has secured the Republic of Ireland rights to the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan along with the U-20’s Championship, the Women’s World Cup and Sevens rights.
eir Sport has also extended its existing agreement with Formula One World Championship Ltd, to show every Formula 1 race live plus practice and qualifying sessions through 2018.
There will also be extended coverage of the Paralympics.
Setanta Sports Ireland was acquired by eir in December 2015 for an undisclosed sum.