LONDON (AP) -- ESPN�is withdrawing from British and Irish television, announcing Monday that its channels are being sold to the BT Group (NYSE: BT ) .
The U.S. sports network, which is owned by Disney (NYSE: DIS ) , increased operations in Britain in 2009 after capturing some domestic rights to show English Premier League matches.
But�ESPN�lost those rights, which were vital to attracting subscribers, for next season as BT joined BSkyB in showing Premier League games for the first time.
The sports rights currently held by�ESPN�will transfer to BT, with the deal expected to be completed by July 31. Financial details were not disclosed.
BT, whose new sport operation is based at the London Olympics broadcast center, said at least one of its channels will continue to carry the�ESPN�name.
"We could not be more proud of the TV channels built and nurtured by our talented team over the past four years," said Ross Hair,�ESPN's�managing director in Europe, Middle East and Africa. "The value of that hard work is reflected in this deal with BT and the continuation of�ESPN�on television screens across the U.K. and Ireland."
BT's new channels will show the U.S. sports currently shown on�ESPN�America, including college basketball, college football and NASCAR.
The rights to show the FA Cup, Scottish Premier League, Bundesliga and Europa League are among those that will also be transferring to BT.
ESPN�will continue to run its sports websites in Britain.
Separately,�ESPN�said it is considering closing down its�ESPN�Classic channel in the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions.
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