Introducing TNT Sports: A Fresh Look with a Dynamic Presentation Team

New Branding Replaces BT Sport as Warner Bros. Discovery Launches TNT Sports in the UK

A Joint Venture with BT Sport

TNT Sports has officially launched in the UK, replacing the BT Sport branding as a result of a joint venture between BT Sport and Warner Bros. Discovery. This partnership, established last year, has culminated in a new name and style for the sports broadcasting platform. The joint venture aims to merge TNT Sports with Warner Bros. Discovery’s Eurosport in the near future.

Continuation of Rights and Expansion Plans

One notable aspect of this rebranding is that TNT Sports will continue to hold the rights previously held by BT Sport. This includes the broadcasting rights for popular sporting events such as the Champions League, Premier League, Premiership Rugby, UFC, and MotoGP. Additionally, plans are in place to merge Eurosport, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, with TNT Sports.

Inclusion in Popular Subscription Packages

TNT Sports will be available to viewers through various subscription platforms, including discovery+, BT TV, Sky, and Virgin Media. Both TNT Sports and Eurosport will be included in the £29.99-a-month price point for the sports offering. Eurosport, known for its coverage of the Olympics, cycling’s Grand Tours, and tennis’ Australian Open and Roland-Garros, will be an attractive addition for sports enthusiasts.

App Changes and Features

As part of the rebranding process, the BT Sport app will be shut down later this year and replaced by the discovery+ app. The new app will incorporate some of the features that were available on the BT Sport app, such as timeline highlights. Customers will need to complete an authentication process to switch between the two apps seamlessly.

Notable Changes in the Presentation Team

With the new branding, TNT Sports has made some changes to its presentation team. Laura Woods will now host the Champions League coverage and major boxing bouts, with Carl Frampton serving as the lead analyst. Reshmin Chowdhury, who previously fronted Europa League and Europa League Conference fixtures, will present some Champions League games. Lynsey Hipgrave will continue her role as the host for live Premier League coverage. Jules Breach will take on a broader role, presenting the Europa League, reporting on key matches across the Premier League and Champions League, and fronting a new-look show for Saturday’s Premier League coverage on TNT Sports.

Expert Punditry and Commentary

TNT Sports has assembled an impressive team of football pundits, including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, Joe Cole, Rachel Brown-Finnis, Owen Hargreaves, Steve McManaman, Joleon Lescott, Michael Owen, Paul Scholes, and Robbie Savage. The commentary will be handled by Darren Fletcher, Adam Summerton, Lucy Ward, and co-commentator and pundit Ally McCoist for Premier League and Champions League matches.

Enhanced Rugby Coverage

In terms of rugby coverage, there will be notable changes as well. Orla Chennaoui will present Premiership games in addition to her role as the lead cycling presenter. Craig Doyle will also host live match coverage, and Ugo Monye will take on an extended role that includes presenting and punditry. Commentators Alastair Eykyn and Nick Mullins will continue their roles. Stuart Hogg and Emily Scarratt join the rugby punditry team, joining Martin Bayfield, Lawrence Dallaglio, Brian O’Driscoll, Sarra Elgan, Austin Healey, Ben Kay, and Sam Warburton.

Continuity in MotoGP Coverage

Suzi Perry will continue to be the face of MotoGP coverage, and she will be joined by 2003 Superbike World Champion Neil Hodgson, offering expert analysis throughout the season. The presentation lineup is completed by Gavin Emmett, Michael Laverty, Natalie Quirk, and Radzi Chinyanganya, who will work across various sports.

Editorial and Advice

The launch of TNT Sports in the UK marks an exciting moment for sports broadcasting. The joint venture between BT Sport and Warner Bros. Discovery promises a seamless transition for viewers, with continued access to their favorite sporting events. The inclusion of Eurosport further enriches the offering, enabling fans to enjoy a diverse range of sporting content.

For subscribers to BT TV, Sky, and Virgin Media, it is important to note that there is no need to take any action to access TNT Sports. The new branding will be automatically available, and customers can look forward to an enhanced sports viewing experience.

The replacement of the BT Sport app with the discovery+ app later this year raises the question of a potential interruption in service. However, the authentication process to switch between the two apps should ensure a smooth transition. It is advisable for customers to familiarize themselves with this process to avoid any inconvenience.

The changes in the presentation team bring a fresh perspective to the sports coverage on TNT Sports. The addition of new hosts and expert analysts adds new dynamics and insights to the broadcasts. Fans can look forward to engaging and informative commentary and punditry across various sports, including football, rugby, and MotoGP.

Overall, the launch of TNT Sports in the UK signifies an exciting chapter in sports broadcasting. With a strong lineup of rights, a diverse range of sporting events, and an experienced presentation team, TNT Sports is poised to deliver an engaging and comprehensive sports viewing experience to fans in the UK.