Murdoch planning to set up sports network to compete with ESPN

London, Mar.29 (ANI): Media baron Rupert Murdoch is said to be planning on a U.S. sports network that could compete effectively with Disney's ESPN.

The Daily Mail has quoted a Bloomberg.com report, as saying that Murdoch's News Corporation has been discussing the possibility of developing such a channel.

The News Corp-owned Wall Street Journal reported that the idea has been talked about for months, but a decision has not yet been made.

Victory in the national sports market will hinge on how Murdoch appeals to sports teams.

This would not be Murdoch's first foray into the sports market.

Murdoch's media conglomerate already operates Fuel TV for extreme sports, the Fox Soccer Channel and Speed, which broadcasts auto-racing events.

Also in operation is Fox Sports Net, which functions on a regional basis.

Overtaking ESPN is a daunting task, as the sports powerhouse has already secured rights to the highly profitable Monday Night Football through 2021.

The network, which has been in operation since 1979, is unafraid of a possible competitor. (ANI)