Screensport aired only recorded programming until 31 August of that year,[11] when they showed live greyhound racing from Wembley Stadium – including the St Leger.

By late 1984, WHSmith Television Group had purchased a 15% stake in the company,[3] RCA also acquired a 10% share in the business, with other investors including Ladbrokes and the pension fund of the National Coal Board.

[15] Coverage of English football began in the same year, screening the Area and National finals from the Freight Rover Trophy,[16] a competition for lower division clubs.

The channel signed a deal with Thames Television, who were the Football League's agent for international distribution, to transmit 34 recorded matches via cable and satellite.

[22] By then, Screensport had increased its sports content, allowing the channel to broadcast for 18.5 hours each day within the schedule included ice hockey, skiing, golf, tennis, and yachting.

[dubious – discuss] After provisions were made for non-member access to the programming, the Commission granted the EBU in a five-year conditional exemption from the requirements of the competition rules.

[3] It ended with a credit screen listing all the network's staff (akin to its sister channel Lifestyle's close on 24 January of that year), before cutting to Eurosport's feed surrounded by a notice telling viewers to watch any of its frequencies.