ESPN to rejig Sunday schedule with live programming

ESPN has announced plans to introduce a revamped Sunday schedule this month, featuring live coverage of multiple sports.

The Disney-owned sports broadcaster will air nearly nine hours of live studio and sports programming every Sunday, starting on January 15.

All programmes will lead into and out of live UK and European Football, rugby and other sports (depending on the schedule), starting at 1.45pm and ending at 10.30pm.

The Sunday rundown will include pre and post match coverage of Budesliga and Serie A football, including the forthcoming Milan derby, as well as ESPN's existing studio presentation coverage of the English Premier League, FA Cup, SPL and Aviva Premiership Rugby.

It will also feature a revamped version of ESPN's weekly studio talkshow Talk of the Terraces, which moves from Monday night.

"Weekends are at the heart of the weekly sports agenda, and are often when ESPN features more live sport and reaches the biggest number of UK fans," said Jeroen Oerlemans, vice president and channel manager, ESPN - Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"This new schedule allows us to bring viewers a great blend of quality live sport, studio discussion and analysis from an outstanding roster of presenters, pundits and guests throughout the afternoon and evening each Sunday."

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Meanwhile, ESPN is also launching a new weekly sports comedy show, titled Off the Ball, on January 12.

Hosted by Will Buckley, the 30-minute show will feature regular panellists offering their "wit and wisdom" on the latest goings-on in the English Premier League.

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