BT Sport Studio

The BT Sport Studio in Stratford, London, has been a significant fixture in the UK's sports broadcasting landscape since its inception in 2013. Nestled within the sprawling Here East complex, formerly known as the International Broadcast Centre for the 2012 Olympics, this state-of-the-art facility has hosted numerous sporting events, including boxing matches that have captivated audiences nationwide.

The studio's journey began when BT decided to create a new broadcasting hub that would link various matches and produce large-scale TV programmes with both sports and entertainment elements. In an impressive feat of construction, BT transformed 80,000 square feet of the Olympic Park building into a cutting-edge broadcast centre in just 14 months. The facility boasted two linked TV studios, one measuring 3,500 square feet and another an enormous 10,000 square feet, rivalling the size of the iconic TC1 at BBC Television Centre.

Throughout its tenure, the BT Sport Studio has been the backdrop for several notable boxing events. In 2020, it hosted the BOXXER 7 tournament, a one-night, winner-takes-all knockout competition that saw Zak Chelli emerge victorious in the Super-Middleweight division. The studio's versatility was further demonstrated when it became a temporary home for WWE's NXT UK tapings in 2020, showcasing its ability to adapt to different combat sports productions.

While the BT Sport Studio may not have the long-standing boxing heritage of some of London's more established venues, its location in Stratford is in the heart of a city steeped in pugilistic history. London has been the stage for countless legendary boxing matches, including the 1963 heavyweight bout between Henry Cooper and Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) at Wembley Stadium and the 1986 world title fight between Frank Bruno and Tim Witherspoon at the same venue.

As we look to the future, the landscape of sports broadcasting in the UK is evolving. Warner Bros. Discovery's decision to close the BT Sport Stratford studio later in 2025 marks the end of an era for this relatively young but impactful venue. However, its legacy in British sports broadcasting, particularly in boxing, will be remembered as a period of innovation and technological advancement that brought fans closer to the action than ever before.

The closure of the BT Sport Studio coincides with broader changes in the boxing broadcast landscape. With TNT Sports' coverage of Queensberry Boxing set to conclude in April 2025 and DAZN poised to become the new rights holder, the sport's presentation is entering a new chapter. As we bid farewell to this Stratford landmark, we can reflect on its role in shaping modern sports coverage and contributing to the rich tapestry of London's boxing scene.