Sky announces pub subscription prices for next season
The broadcaster is also providing pubs with a third viewing card to allow them to screen three live events simultaneously, a new App to enhance in-game viewing, and access to online training.
David Rey, managing director of Sky Business said: “This is the third successive year without a price increase, meaning that landlords will not have had a price increase since September 2010.
“Despite our increased costs and investment, we are choosing not to pass this on because we know the trading environment remains challenging for many publicans.”
Rey said the decision to freeze prices was not prompted by BT Sport’s entry into the market nor its advertising campaign encouraging pubs to “demand a discount from Sky”, but by the company’s own strategy.
While Sky will show fewer Premier League football matches this coming season – 116 compared with 138 in 2012/13 – Rey insists the year ahead is Sky Sports’ biggest, with the Ashes cricket, Formula One, grand slam tennis, golf majors, Heineken Cup and international rugby plus UEFA Champions League, Football League and La Liga soccer. The new App will feature quiz questions, in-game predictions and polls “to drive footfall ahead of the games and encourage people to stay longer after matches”.
Sky has also announced a new partnership with CPL Training to allow its customers to access free online sports-knowledge training and advice on how to maximise the business opportunity from showing live sport in their venues.
Sky Ultimate is available on 30 day or 12 month contracts. Sky Base, which provides access to Sky Sports channels 1, 3 and News, is being phased out because of “limited demand”.
Customers who sign up to Sky Ultimate before 1 August will get the service for half price until 30 September.
The British Beer and Pub Association welcomed the news. Chief executive Brigid Simmonds said: "A price freeze is good news as Sky charges are certainly a significant cost for pubs, which are a real focus for enjoying live sports in a great atmosphere.
”I am pleased Sky have specifically acknowledged the financial pressures pubs are under. It is also good news that we are seeing more competition over live sport in pubs, which should help to keep prices down in future.”
