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BT Sport Hoping To Sign Gary Lineker To Front Champions League Coverage

BT Sport "stepped up attempts to sign Gary Lineker to front its live Champions League coverage next season on a deal that would enable him to continue presenting Match of the Day for the BBC," according to Owen Gibson of the London GUARDIAN. The former England captain "is contracted exclusively to the BBC until 2016 but it is understood that talks are taking place about a deal that would allow Lineker to also appear on BT Sport from next season." According to industry sources, the telecom giant "is desperate for a big name to front its first season of exclusive Champions League football." The new deal "will necessitate a new pricing structure, however, with the broadcaster likely to launch a new subscription channel to house the rights." Lineker "is seen as a potentially attractive frontman to launch the new service." If the BBC agrees to share Lineker on a reduced contract, "he would be able to continue presenting Match of the Day and major events such as the World Cup and Olympics" (GUARDIAN, 1/27). The PA's Martyn Ziegler wrote the BBC faces a battle to keep its Premier League highlights deal for Match of the Day "with ITV also understood to be bidding for the highlights rights from 2016 to 2019." The outcome of the tender "is expected to be announced in early February" (PA, 1/27). BROADCAST NOW's Jake Kanter wrote the BBC "is prepared to be flexible about Lineker’s future." A source said, "It can be sorted with the BBC." Another "stressed the presenter’s desire to remain with the corporation, where he has also presented the Olympics and the Commonwealth Games, as well as Sports Personality of the Year." A presenting deal with BT Sport "would not be without precedent." Lineker "has previously fronted the Champions League for Al Jazeera and currently hosts Premier League coverage for American network NBC." The corporation "also worked closely with BT Sport on a successful bid for FA Cup rights in 2013." The two broadcasters "now share coverage of the iconic competition" (BROADCAST NOW, 1/26).

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