Si Robin wrote:Going back to Freesports potentially showing Lakeside - is there a chance of BT Sport taking it on and then putting 50% to Freesports - they've already given Freesports the National League highlights from this season (BT Sport continuing to show live games).
Don't get me wrong, I completely agree that Freesports won't cover the cost of an outside broadcast for 9 days, but if BT can cover the larger amount, there's no reason Freesports couldn't take the daytime sessions at a fraction of the cost.
From what I can see, Freesports is starting to build a portfolio of niche sports - they do the Pool Premier League (in what look like pubs), and they've recently signed a deal to show British Ice Hockey (along with the odd NHL game from Premier Sports), maybe it could become the home of BDO Darts.
It all comes down to who is going to pay for it.
For a start, I really can't see BT Sport looking to invest any more in this than they already have. It's no secret they've massively overstretched themselves in what they pay for live sport and they're starting to reign it in a bit, as their recent loss of NBA and UFC shows.
If they weren't prepared to fully fund Lakeside in the past, I see no reason why they'd want to now.
Also, as Ginge rightly points out, there's no way Freesports will pick up any of the bill for weekday day time sessions. They've got a huge library of old stuff they can put on for next to nothing during off peak hours.
I mean they are currently devoting several off peak hours a day to showing this years NHL play-offs.
Spoiler alert: The Washington Capitals completed a 4-1 series victory over the Vegas Golden Knights to win the Stanley Cup. On June 8th.
You're right about Freesports expanding their offerings with the pool league and the British ice hockey, and they may well be interested in live darts going forward, but you can be sure they'll only be interested in putting it on during peak viewing times, which is not what Lakeside could provide.