I'm assuming that Prem matches currently aren't available on 360 due to the restrictive rights distribution issues in the terms of sale imposed by the PL. However, I haven't been able to find much on it (I thought it had been mentioned in a thread, but I couldn't find anything) and was wondering if anyone had any insight. And just to be clear, I'm not trying to complain, it's great that there are any PL matches on ESPN, this is really just a matter of curiosity- plus I'm sure many would like to sneak on at work for Monday matches .
FOX Sports International (FSI) holds the broadband video rights to the EPL matches that currently air on ESPN2 via a sublicense. That's the reason why those matches cannot be offered via ESPN360.com One would expect FSI and ESPN, Inc. to work out a comprehensive partnership agreement that will cover EPL for 2010-2013 and Serie A for 2010-2012 before FSI and ESPN, Inc. submit joint bids for those products in the next video contract cycle. (Now that NewsCorp/FOX/Sky and Disney/ESPN act like one big happy cartel, the likes of Setanta can't feel good.)
Thanks for the details. One would have to assume something will be worked out for the future bids because it's pretty illogical to hold broadband rights and not really be doing anything with them. Especially with FSI using the Prem as a major selling point to their FSC online access. (Granted it's probably a tougher sell with matches that are on the widely available ESPN networks.) Setanta should feel the crush, it's starting to look like that scene at the end of Godfather when they close the door on Micheal's wife.