France Telecom-Orange told staff that it has decided to close the Orange Sport pay-TV channel without giving a specific date, reports Les Echos. Le Parisien speculates that the channel could shut on the night of 20 May, when it broadcasts its last Ligue 1 match. Orange has already sold 34 percent of Orange Cinema Series, its film and TV series channels, but has found no partner for Orange Sport. The telecom group is now seeking to sell its broadcasting rights for Tennis's ATP 500 and 1,000 until the end of 2013, which cost EUR 4-5 million a year, and athletics' Diamond League until the end of 2012. Other rights include several combat sports. Informed sources told Les Echos that talks are underway with Canal Plus and Al-Jazira, but no contract has been signed to date. Orange Sport is also thought to be looking at selling its subscriber base of over 400,000. It would like them to be able to continue to have a premium sport channel. There are also 30 Orange Sport employees to be considered. Talks are also underway with Sporever over the sale of the Orange Sport Info channel.
