Sky Sports vs BT Sport

In the blue corner we have the big hitting and world-renowned Sky Sports, and across the ring in the red corner we have the (relatively) new kid on the block, BT Sport. It’s the battle of the sport broadcasting heavyweights, as we delve deeper into this rivalry and see who really comes out on top in Sky Sports vs BT Sport. So, without further ado… LET’S GET READY TO RUMBLE! 

Sky Sports 

We can’t believe it’s been almost 32 years since Sky launched here in the UK, where has the time gone? Not one to mess around, just two years after its inauguration Sky was then named as the exclusive broadcaster of what was then the brand-new FA Premier League. The very first transmission was Nottingham Forest v Liverpool, in a game where PL legend Teddy Sheringham bagged the winner. 

Fast forward 30 years and Sky Sports is still undoubtedly at the pinnacle of sports broadcasting, constantly introducing new and innovative ways to keep fans engaged and updated with what is an ever-changing industry. Take Sky 3D for example which launched in April 2010, before being switched to ‘on demand’ in June 2015.  

The great thing about Sky Sports is that its effectively an add-on of the hugely popular Sky TV, which has over 23million subscribers. It’s the UK’s largest pay-TV broadcaster, comfortably beating those who have tried to take its place in the past, namely Now TV and Virgin TV, who simply can’t cope with the powerhouse.  

What’s scary for everyone else is that Sky shows no signs of slowing down, having recently launched Sky Glass. If you’re not aware, these are TVs with Sky built inside, removing the need for a satellite dish and box.  

BT Sport 

Now we’re talking about Sky Sports’ biggest opponent. BT Sport burst on to the scene in August 2013 and has never looked back. Globally and originally known as a telecommunications agency, BT now offer four channels through its sports broadcasting, eight if you include the HD alternatives.  

It seemed at first as if sports fans were unsure on the seriousness of BT Sport and if it was going to stand the test of time, however, we were all well and truly reassured in 2015 when BT Sport paid £299million to be the exclusive broadcaster of the Champions League here in the UK. And yes, you guessed it, they stole right from under the nose of previous broadcasters, Sky Sports. Last year, BT Sport also announced it had extended its partnership to 2024 , so yes you could say they’re not messing around.  

BT also has strong ties to the UFC and has an exclusive partnership with heavyweight boxer, Tyson Fury, who together, bring in millions of fans, not just here in the UK, but worldwide too.  

So, after 12 rounds of hard-hitting action, we go to the judges’ score cards, and by judges we mean us, sportshotels.com. Both broadcasters have performed impeccably which is why we’re calling this a DRAW. Yes, you may say we’re sitting on the fence, but it is just too close to call, and both possess the power to knock the other out on any given day. Plus, we love them both and think they’re invaluable to our industry!