New-look ESPN Classic secures archive BBC footage
Sports channel ESPN Classic has secured more than 80 hours of archive football, rugby and racing coverage as part of a new agreement with the BBC.
It now has the rights to show the 1966 World Cup Final with famous BBC commentary, memorable Grand Nationals and retro Cricket World Cup action.
The channel has also reached an agreement with European football governing body UEFA to show more than 30 hours of programming in the build-up to Euro 2012.
This investment in programming is part of the channel's 'new programming strategy', focusing on "storytelling and contextualising sports heritage and knowledge".
There will also be new on-screen graphics and a fresh musical score composed by Hear No Evil and electronic musician Si Begg.
Ross Hair, managing director for ESPN Europe, Middle East & Africa, said: "The enhanced look and feel of the channel aims to better reflect its identity as a place where fans can find context, and a celebration of the culture, legends and heritage of sport."