Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ESPN have added the Guinness Premiership to their expanding portfolio of live sport after agreeing a three-year deal with competition organisers Premier Rugby.
The new agreement comes into force at the start of next season and will see ESPN broadcast 43 matches exclusively live, including one semi-final and the Premiership final.
Sky Sports will show 26 live games, more than doubling the number of televised Premiership matches from 33 this season to 69.
ESPN have taken over the broadcasting arrangement Premier Rugby had originally struck with Setanta before the Ireland-based channel folded last summer.
Premier Rugby's original joint-agreement with Setanta and Sky Sports was worth £54million.
ESPN entered the British sports broadcasting market in June, plugging the gap left by Setanta's demise.
The Disney-owned station was awarded the rights to 46 Barclays Premier League matches that were forfeited by Setanta.
Last week, ESPN signed a £35million four-year deal to broadcast the FA Cup and today they added the Guinness Premiership to their sporting roster.
The agreement also provides internet rights for use on ESPN's digital media, such as ESPNScrum.com.
Jon Varney, commercial director of Premier Rugby said: "This deal with ESPN secures a partnership with one of the world's leading broadcasters, who become yet another blue chip supporter of club rugby in England.
"Starting next season, our new television deals mean we have doubled the number of live televised Premiership matches, which will further raise the profile of the sport in the UK and overseas and will allow our clubs and sponsors to derive even greater exposure and value.
"It also means supporters have more chance to see their team on live television."
ESPN already broadcast the French Top 14 and recently announced an agreement to show archive matches and footage from each of the six Rugby World Cup tournaments to date on ESPN Classic.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments