ESPN says it has no plans to buy Setanta

June 11, 2009 Setanta has been locked in last-ditch refinancing talks with its private equity backers, including Balderton Capital and Goldman Sachs, and is thought to be seeking a buyer for its U.S. and Irish assets. Founded by Irish entrepreneurs Michael O'Rourke and Leonard Ryan four years ago, Setanta has suspended new customer signings, but has urged existing customers not to cancel their monthly payments. If the company folds it is likely that its key program rights, which include Scottish and English Premier League Soccer, U.S. PGA Golf and Guinness Premiership Rugby -- will revert back to the rights holders and be sold off again -- potentially at a knock-down price that would favor its competitors, analysts said.

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