American media group Discovery, which owns Eurosport, is "already interested in the rights to Top 14 rugby," according to LE FIGARO. Since Discover became 51% owners of Eurosport International and 20% owners of Eurosport France, a subsidiary of TF1, the "U.S. giant hopes to position itself as an influential player involved in the sports world." The media group "could, in the not too distant future, become a serious competitor" to Canal+ and beIN Sports. It has "been closely watching Top 14 rugby," whose rights have been put on the market after the Competition Authority suspended the agreement between Canal+ and the National Rugby League (LNR). However, in order to bid, Discovery must buy the other 80% of Eurosport France from TF1. And just a few months ago, the company indicated in a statement that it would keep its current stake “until at least January 1st 2015.” Discovery will "have the opportunity to increase its stake in Eurosport France to 100%" until the end of '17. TF1 would "first have to give back its pay-DTT frequency to the French media-regulating body," the Superior Council of Audiovisual (CSA), because the law stipulates that a "non-European cannot own more than 20% of a French terrestrial channel." But for now, TF1 "does not seem to be in a hurry to give back" its frequency. Therefore, TF1 "remains the decision-maker of the policy on the acquisition of rights for Eurosport France." Discovery has "lofty ambitions for Eurosport, which wants to strength its value." The brand is "already very strong internationally," since it is broadcast in 54 countries in nearly 133 million homes. If Discovery is not able to position itself in Top 14 rugby, it would "have to wait a while to enter into the field of premium sports rights." The football rights, "Euro 2016 (TF1 and M6) and even the Ligue 1 football (Canal+ and beIN), have been secured for a few years" (LE FIGARO, 10/31).
