Sky, BT To Battle For On-Air Services Of Thierry Henry Following MLS Season

Arsenal record goal scorer and Major League Soccer N.Y. Red Bulls striker Thierry Henry, who will be part of the BBC’s team of pundits at the World Cup, "already has Sky and BT fighting for his future services," according to Charles Sale of the London DAILY MAIL. Henry will be available following the MLS season, which begins in March. The competition for Henry, "which includes interest from foreign networks," means that he will be able to command well in excess of the £5,000 ($8,200) a show that Graeme Souness "is understood to receive from Sky," or even the £8,000 ($13,100) Match of the Day pays Alan Shearer for each program. BT’s interest in Henry "is understandable" with the station covering the Champions League beginning in '15, while Sky "will want a big-name replacement" if Gary Neville decides his future lies in full-time coaching or management. Match of the Day "is also facing a shake-up" at the end of the World Cup when Alan Hansen, the show's lead pundit for 22 years, retires (DAILY MAIL, 1/14).