So much of SPOTY’s fall from grace is as a result of the BBC haemorrhaging the rights for sporting events. But the loss of broadcast rights for the BBC has far wider ramifications than merely turning SPOTY into a dirge. What remain safe on the BBC, for now, are the World Cup, Wimbledon and the Olympics. Contrast this to London 2012 when literally dozens of BBC channels were set up to ensure almost every minute of Olympic action could be watched live, for free. All three of the Olympics, World Cup and Wimbledon would generate eye-watering sums of money for any broadcaster who was willing to stump up for them.

Source: BBC December 17, 2023 14:11 UTC