The apparent financial trouble that has hit the sports streaming service founded by Leeds United Andrea Radrizzani “doesn’t sound good”, according to Phil Hay.
The Telegraph report there are fears Eleven Sports could be forced to close amid concerns over mounting losses. It is said that a major mixed martial arts (MMA) deal due to start in January is now unlikely to go ahead, triggering crisis talks with other rights holders.
Hay passed on news of the potential closure on his personal Twitter account on Wednesday afternoon, highlighting the potential negative consequences.
You'll need to register to read this in full but this from the Telegraph doesn't sound good for Eleven Sports:https://t.co/hAbjertsJ5
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 12, 2018
OPINION
It is too early at this stage to ascertain what the consequences could be for Leeds if the firm established by Radrizzani in 2015 and which launched its UK arm in August of this year has to close. Amid growing doubts over the viability of the company, there could now be added pressure on Leeds to achieve promotion to the Premier League this season. The crisis over Eleven Sports UK is likely to be the main focus at this time for Radrizzani, who has been one of the main agitators against the English Football League’s £595m TV deal with Sky. With the January transfer window around the corner, many United fans are eager for the owner, who took majority control in May of last year, to fund the purchases that could give the team’s promotion pursuit a helping hand. Marcelo Bielsa’s side are second in the Championship and well placed to challenge for a top-two finish following huge improvements in the first half of the campaign.