BT’s chief executive Philip Jansen has said the company remains “open-minded” on the future of BT Sport, but hopes to reach a deal by next quarter.
Jansen’s comments follows yesterday’s announcement by ITV CEO Carolyn McCall that the broadcaster is not looking to buy BT Sport.
“We’ve been very focused on our balance sheet, we’re really very robust. We still see uncertainty ahead [amid the pandemic], it’s not the kind of acquisition we would do,” McCall told journalists.
However, she did not rule out a possible tie-up between the two broadcasters: “We have a good relationship with BT and BT Sport in particular, and we do constantly talk to them about how we might collaborate and cooperate. Those discussions are ongoing,” McCall said.
BT announced in April that it is in discussions over a potential sale or external investment into its sports broadcasting arm.
It added that it was in talks with a number of select strategic partners, to explore ways to generate investment, strengthen its sports business, and “take it to the next stage of its growth”.
“The discussions are confidential and may or may not lead to an outcome,” said BT.
