German publisher Axel Springer is "not currently in talks to buy sports media platform Sport1 from Constantin Medien," Springer CEO Mathias Döpfner said on Wednesday. Constantin Medien said that it is selling Sport1, which has TV, radio, mobile and internet offerings. Two sources said last month that Axel Springer was "in exclusive talks to buy Sport1" and was bidding more than €80M ($95M). Döpfner: "From today's point of view, Sport1 is not a priority for us" (REUTERS, 8/2).
The English Football League announced a six-year agreement with EA Sports as an official partner. The company will become the EFL's on-screen data partner and the first sponsor of new digital streaming service iFollow, which will allow fans outside of the U.K. and Ireland to watch the EFL's regular season for the first time (EFL).
Former footballer Frank Lampard joined BT Sports as a pundit and will make his debut for the broadcaster at the Community Shield. Lampard will "help provide insight into the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League matches." The 39-year-old has not played competitive football since he left MLS side NYCFC last year. He "did work briefly for Sky Sports as a pundit last season" (London DAILY MAIL, 8/2).
Motorsport Network reached an agreement with Formula 1 commentator and journalist James Allen to bring his blog, JamesAllenonF1.com, to Motorsport.com. Allen will become a part of the network's F1 coverage in a deal which also encompasses video production (Motorsport).
