So the big story across the pond, is the fact that Irish cable channel Setanta Sports is in danger of going bankrupt. The rumor was that ESPN/Disney was interested in buying the channel, but according to Reuters, that's not the case. As of yet....

ESPN, the Walt Disney-owned sports network, has no current plans to buy the stricken Irish broadcaster Setanta, it said on Thursday, after days of speculation that it could make a bid.

The board of Setanta has spent the week in emergency refinancing talks to try to prevent the group from falling into administration. It has suspended signing up new customers and has said it is fighting to secure the business.

ESPN had been seen as a potential buyer.

"We currently have no plans to buy Setanta," a spokesman said, in response to the speculation. "There are a lot of stories out there that link ESPN with a possible purchase. We wanted to set the record straight."

The biggest rub in all of this, is the fact that ESPN was outbid by Setanta Sports for International EPL rights. If ESPN doesn't buy Setanta, and the channel doesn't get refinancing, the channel's rights could go back on the market. It's a tough spot for ESPN to be in, but at least there's a chance for them to secure the rights they got outbid on a few months ago.

Disney's ESPN: no current plan to buy Setanta (Reuters)

NASN, recently purchased by ESPN, is a network that sends U.S. Sports to people in Europe and the Middle East. Well, ESPN announced today that they are rebranding the network and calling it the cleverly named, ESPN America....

ESPN America will continue NASN’s tradition of being the only network in Europe completely dedicated to North American sports. The channel broadcasts over 800 live and as-live sports events each year from Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), National Football League (NFL) and NCAA American Football and Basketball. ESPN America will also show the Super Bowl in a number of countries across Europe including Germany, France, the Netherlands and Poland. Additionally, the network provides high-quality signature ESPN original studio programmes, such as Pardon the Interruption, Around the Horn, The Sports Reporters, Baseball Tonight, College GameDay, NASCAR Now and more.

“The announcement of our first ESPN-branded live television channel in Europe is a momentous day for the company,” said Lynne Frank, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of ESPN in Europe, Middle East, and Africa. “ESPN America’s programming lineup is unparalleled in the region, and will serve fans of North American sports throughout Europe and the Middle East. Our business continues to grow. ESPN America will sit alongside ESPN Classic, and our digital properties, ESPN360.com, ESPNSoccernet, Cricinfo, ESPNScrum.com and Racing-live.com.”

I have no idea why a channel that's based in Europe is named as such, but whatever works right? Also, it's not very exciting, but I really wanted to tell of you that I'm out ill today, but will be back strong tomorrow (the 'Tussin coursing through my veins is at record levels).

Oh and to show you ESPN's cool new logo above....sweet right? It looks like something out of a comic book. Just a matter of time now before we get "The Ocho"!

(Via ESPN)