BT Sport

What is BT Sport?

Positioning: BT Sport, now fully rebranded as TNT Sports since July 2023, is a premium sports broadcasting service primarily available in the UK and Ireland. It functions as a joint venture between Warner Bros. Discovery and BT Group, offering live and on-demand coverage of major sports events. It’s positioned as a comprehensive destination for sports enthusiasts, aiming to consolidate top-tier content under a single brand.

Functional Panorama: The service covers a broad spectrum of sports, including football, rugby, boxing, UFC, motorsport, and more. It offers live streaming via dedicated channels and digitally via the discovery+ app. Key modules include live event broadcasting, on-demand replays and highlights, sports news and analysis sections, dedicated sports hubs, interactive match timelines, and a catch-up service.

BT Sport’s Use Cases

• Football fans: Tune in live to watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, Premier League, and FA Cup matches.
• Rugby enthusiasts: Follow Premiership Rugby, European Rugby Champions Cup, and European Rugby Challenge Cup games.
• Combat sports followers: Access live UFC events, boxing matches, and related analysis.
• Motorsport fans: Watch live MotoGP races and other motor racing events.
• Casual sports viewers: Catch up on highlights, full match replays, and sports news at their convenience via the on-demand library.
• Subscribers with multiple devices: Stream content on the go via the discovery+ app on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.

BT Sport’s Key Features

• Live HD/4K Streaming: Offers high-definition and ultra-high-definition live broadcasts of major events, ensuring premium visual quality.
• Multi-Platform Access: Content is accessible via linear TV channels and through the discovery+ streaming app across various devices.
• On-Demand & Highlights Library: Provides an extensive library of full match replays, event highlights, and exclusive programming available for catch-up viewing.
• Integration with discovery+: All live and on-demand TNT Sports content became exclusively available through the discovery+ app in the UK and Ireland since July 2023. This centralizes sports content alongside other entertainment.
• EE TV Rebranding: BT TV, through which many users access TNT Sports, is set to be rebranded to EE TV in early 2024, aiming to offer a more streamlined and integrated entertainment experience.
• Improved Discovery+ App Stability: Recent user feedback and updates aim to enhance the stability and navigation within the discovery+ app, addressing initial integration challenges.

How to Use BT Sport?

1. Subscription: Obtain a TNT Sports subscription. This can be done by adding it to a BT, EE, Sky, or Virgin Media package, or by subscribing to the discovery+ Premium plan directly via the discovery+ website or app.
2. Access on TV: If subscribed via a TV provider, navigate to the relevant TNT Sports channels on your set-top box.
3. Access via App/Web: Download the discovery+ app on your preferred device or visit discoveryplus.com.
4. Login: Log in using your discovery+ account credentials.
5. Navigate & Watch: Browse the “Sport” section within the discovery+ app to find live streams, upcoming events, or on-demand content for your desired sport or team.

Pro Tips:

• Set Reminders: Use the discovery+ app’s scheduling features to set reminders for upcoming live matches and events so you don’t miss kickoff.
• Utilize Search: If looking for specific teams, players, or historical events, use the search bar within the discovery+ app for quick access to relevant content.
• Check ‘My List’: Add favourite sports, teams, or shows to “My List” within discovery+ for easy access to new episodes or live events.
• Device Compatibility: Ensure your streaming device has the latest discovery+ app version for optimal performance, especially for 4K streams.

BT Sport’s Pricing & Access

• Discovery+ Premium: The primary standalone access method is through a Discovery+ Premium subscription, which includes TNT Sports. As of early 2024, this typically costs 拢29.99 per month, offering access to all TNT Sports content, Eurosport, and Discovery’s entertainment library.
• Bundled with Broadband/Mobile: Existing BT and EE broadband or mobile customers can often add TNT Sports as an extra, potentially at a reduced rate or included in higher-tier bundles. Pricing varies based on the specific package.
• Sky and Virgin Media Add-ons: TNT Sports can be added as a bolt-on to Sky or Virgin Media TV packages, with pricing determined by the respective providers.
• EE TV Integration: With the upcoming rebranding of BT TV to EE TV in early 2024, customers are expected to continue accessing TNT Sports through their EE TV subscription, with potential new bundle offers.
• No Free Tier: TNT Sports content is exclusively part of a premium paid subscription, with no free tier for live sports content. Highlights might be available on public platforms like YouTube after events.

BT Sport’s Comprehensive Advantages

• Exclusive Content Rights: TNT Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights for highly popular competitions like the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, positioning it as a must-have for football fans. This contrasts with competitors like Sky Sports which hold different primary football rights.
• Integrated Sports Hub: The transition to the discovery+ app has created a single “ultimate sport destination” combining TNT Sports and Eurosport content, offering a wider variety of sports from one subscription compared to fragmented offerings.
• High-Quality Production: Known for its high-quality studio analysis, experienced pundits, and advanced production techniques, offering an immersive viewing experience.
• Strong Market Presence: Despite the rebrand, the legacy of BT Sport combined with Warner Bros. Discovery’s global media presence ensures strong market recognition and a significant subscriber base in the UK sports broadcasting landscape. While specific recent market share data for TNT Sports alone is evolving, its predecessor, BT Sport, held a strong position in premium sports content.