The move is understood to be at the top of a list of options being considered by Ten for multi-channeling, when the three commercial free-to-air networks are each permitted to launch an additional standard-definition channel from the beginning of next year.
Ten has been quietly upping the sports quotient on both its main free-to-air and existing high-definition multi-channel in recent weeks. The broadcaster has been airing MotoGP and Formula 1 grand prix events live on its HD multi-channel, with other programmes running simultaneously on its main channel in what appears to have been a way of testing a broader sports offering on its multi-channels.
Ten has the rights for several sporting events, including joint coverage of the AFL with the Seven Network and Foxtel, US Open golf and US Masters golf as well as the year's four world golf championships and the IPL. Ten is also expected to bid for the rights to golf's British Open when Nine's rights expire after this week's event at Royal Birkdale.
