BT has announced that it is in exclusive talks with Discovery to create a joint venture bringing together BT Sport and Eurosport UK.

The telecoms giant said the new business would remain committed to retaining BT Sport’s existing sports broadcast rights – which includes European football and a number of Premier League games.

BT Sport customers would also gain access to Discovery’s sport and entertainment content including the discovery+ app.

It follows a “detailed process to identify the best way to generate investment and strengthen” the sports business, BT said.

BT said it was aiming to conclude its exclusive discussions with Discovery by early in its April-June quarter and for the new company to be operational later this year, subject to completion and approval by regulators.

The group first disclosed in April last year that it was in “early discussions” over BT Sport and speculation and streaming service Dazn has also reportedly been a contender for the business.

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