IT’S the final countdown for two beloved channels as they prepare to disappear from UK screens forever next week.
The popular duo are being replaced as part of a huge shake-up on Friday (February 28).
Eurosport has been a beloved part of the TV schedule since 1989.
But both Eurosport 1 and Eurosport 2 will be no more in the UK and Ireland, as well as the Eurosport Player and the Eurosport app.
The pair have been home to favourites including Olympics, major snooker tournaments, tennis grand slams and the Tour de France.
Owners Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) recently announced that Eurosport’s content will largely shift to its other channel, TNT Sports – but it means viewers on Sky and Virgin Media face the prospect of paying more than £30 extra a month to watch it.
Virgin exclusively revealed to The Sun that it is contacting customers who regularly watch Eurosport to offer them free access to TNT Sports for the remainder of their contract to soften the blow.
Meanwhile, some of Eurosports programming will shift to free channel Quest too.
WBD Sports Europe chief Scott Young said: “Combining Eurosport and TNT Sports content in the UK and Ireland will enable us to offer a single, premium viewing experience for sports fans.
“We know audiences are looking for a slightly simpler journey on where to find the sport they love.
“This move will also continue to best deliver value for our leagues and federation partners, as we continue our 35 years plus commitment to investment and championing of sport on our screens.”
The TV schedules currently suggest that Eurosport will shut down in the early hours of Friday.
Eurosport 1’s last show is Cycling: Tour of Galicia, which ends at 2am.
And Eurosport 2 will bow out with Cross-Country Skiing, also ending at 2am.
This is just the start – more changes ahead
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
Broadcasting is going through an almighty shift at the moment with the push toward streaming at a key point.
Despite this latest move, Discovery+’s days are likely numbered.
The streaming service has closed in several countries already to make way for a replacement, Max, bringing HBO and Discovery content under one roof.
The UK is one of the few big markets where Max hasn’t launched yet because of existing agreements with Sky, allowing Sky Atlantic to air big HBO-made hits like Game of Thrones and The White Lotus.
But the pair recently announced a new deal that will pave the way for Max’s launch in the UK early 2026 as a standalone app, while Sky customers will get access at no extra cost.
So expect even bigger changes in the TV and streaming world next year.
