A major UK sports channel has been axed from British TV screens after broadcasting to viewers for 35 years.
The channel has garnered a huge following for its regular coverage of sports including tennis, snooker, European domestic football and cycling.
But from Friday, February 28, Eurosport – which was available for free to Sky and Virgin customers – will be disappearing, although the channel is set to be repackaged as part of TNT Sports’ coverage.
According to bosses at the company, it is a move that is designed to simplify choices for sports fans.
However, the decision to get rid of the channel has led to fears over the quantity and quality of free-to-air sports coverage available in the future.
Both Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 will merge with TNT Sports and no longer have standalone coverage, while the channel’s website will redirect traffic to TNT Sports’ site.
A major UK sports channel has been axed from British TV after broadcasting for 35 years
Eurosport is set disappear as a standalone channel after a merger from Friday, February 28
The channel has been renowned for its coverage of sports such as snooker, cycling and tennis
The news left several fans devastated as they took to social media to express their sadness.
One said: ‘Very disappointed to discover that Eurosport channels are closing.’
Another upset fan added: ‘Eurosport’s demise is the second time my heart has been broken this year.’
An extra fan chimed in with: ‘A sad day as Eurosport disappears in the UK.’
Other fans reflected on their fond memories of the channel as one said: ‘The #HomeOfCycling is dead. The end of an era. Watching cycling in the UK and Ireland will never be the same again. RIP Eurosport.’
Another individual recollected: ‘RIP Eurosport. Getting home on a Monday after school to watch Eurogoals. They showed all the youth tournaments too. Remember watching a 15yo Bojan come off the bench and score a hattrick at an U17 Euros and thinking WOW. Toni Kroos was also amazing in that tournament.’
Speaking back in January, WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young had attempted to explain the thinking behind the move.
He had said: ‘Combining Eurosport and TNT Sports content in the UK and Ireland will enable us to offer a single, premium viewing experience for sports fans.
Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 will merge with TNT Sports and not have standalone coverage
Several fans expressed their sadness at the news, while others recollected on their memories
‘We know audiences are looking for a slightly simpler journey on where to find the sport they love.
‘This move will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners, as we continue our 35 years plus commitment to investment and championing of sport on our screens.’
Coverage of the Olympics will not be affected, as rights will still be shared with the BBC for future events.
Addressing the future of the Tour de France, Young added that ‘parts’ will be shown on free-to-air TV channel Quest, while he promised ‘more immersive coverage’ of cycling events.
Eurosport initially launched as a co-production between the BBC and the European Broadcasting Union in 1989.
Its popularity soared, cementing the channel as an integral part of sports broadcasting across 50 European countries.
