BT Group PLC (LSE:BT.A) is facing a possible competition probe into plans to merge its sports broadcast arm with the Discovery channel.
UK watchdog the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it will make a decision by 28 July on whether merging BT Sport with Discovery's Eurosport would reduce competition in the UK.
A merger of BT Sport with Discovery's offering, as announced last month, would be able to offer sports fans Champions League and Premier League football plus a host of other events from Premiership Rugby, the Olympic Games, tennis grand slams, skiing, winter sports, speedway, the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and other pro cycling races.
Both the BT Sport and Eurosport brands would be retained for now but merged in the future under the plans, which would see the UK telco receive an initial £93mln and up to £540mln in earn-outs with Discovery owner Warner Bros also having the option to buy out its partner.
Comments about the merger by interested parties have to be submitted by the July deadline, said the CMA.
Share in BT rose 1.2% to 189.5p.