Freeview TV update is bad news for Sky (Image: SKY • FREEVIEW)
UK homes are about to be hit by a major channel change and there’s good and bad news if you like watching sport. It’s been confirmed that two Eurosport services will shut down from next month with content currently shown on these duo of channels moving to TNT Sports instead.
Currently, those with some , EE and packages get access to Eurosport without paying anything extra, but after February 28th, they will need a TNT or Discovery+ subscription to keep tuning in. Some new Sky contracts do include Discovery+ as standard, but anyone with legacy deals may find their monthly bill increases.
Action currently available on Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 includes Tour de France races, Australian Open tennis, snooker and the Olympics.
Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), which runs Eurosport and also owns TNT Sports, has yet to confirm whether content currently shown on Eurosport will be integrated into TNT’s channels or if a new service will launch to accommodate the extra coverage.
Although this won’t please some Sky and Virgin users – who will soon lose two popular channels – there is better news for .
WBD says it will boost some of its sports offerings, which are available via the free-to-air Quest channel.
That means Freeview users will soon be able to watch every MotoGP Sprint race along with a new weekly cycling show plus highlights from the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta a España cycle races.
It’s also been confirmed that Quest will show a number of new sports documentaries throughout the year.
Speaking about the upcoming changes, Scott Young, Group SVP, Content, Production & Business Operations, WBD Sports Europe, 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. This move in the UK and Ireland 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, which remains a fundamental part of the success of grassroots through to elite.
“TNT Sports will also continue to bring more content to fans on Warner Bros. Discovery’s free-to-air channel Quest. In 2025, this will include broadcasting every MotoGP Sprint race, adding to existing live Bennetts British Superbikes coverage, a brand-new weekly cycling show covering all key moments of the season, continue highlights of the Giro d’Italia and La Vuelta a España, plus premiere a range of new sports documentaries.”