TV fans were devastated when the much-loved free-to-air channel on Freeview and Sky announced its closure

TV fans are saddened after a beloved channel announced it would close at the end of this month.

And it’s especially bad news for sports fans.

SportyStuff TV was a favorite for greyhound coverageCredit: supplied

SportyStuff TV has revealed it will stop broadcasting on March 31.

It burst onto the scene in 2011 and became a favorite for less mainstream sports.

This included Greyhound TV and auto racing.

The channel was available for free on Freeview, Freesat and Sky.

It is the second major blow to free sports broadcasting this year, after Viaplay Xtra – formerly known as Freesports – disappeared in January.

Meanwhile, paid sports channels such as TNT Sports have recently increased prices.

SportyStuff TV viewers have shared their disappointment, describing it as “another nail in the coffin” for their favorite shows.

“So Sad fantastic channel with great characters,” one fan wrote.

“This was my last entry into Your wonderful world of dog racing,” another commented.

Bosses said in a statement that 2023 was the company’s most successful trading year but that “external circumstances beyond our control” have forced the channel to close.

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“This ends 12 years of service by the company to shareholders and viewers,” said Kevan Moretti, chairman and CEO of SportyStuff TV.

“We would especially like to thank SportyStuffTV’s production staff, presenters, guests, crew and suppliers for their continued support throughout.

“With today’s inevitable sadness, there is also much to be proud of and it is regrettable that external circumstances beyond our control have led to this closure.”

A new channel will be launched in March

While you may lose a channel this month, there are some newcomers to look forward to.

Chart Show Retro
Music lovers on Sky Satellite can now enjoy a retro channel with everything from the 80s onwards.
It’s available now on Sky 360.

DAZN Women’s Football
This new channel will offer coverage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League, as well as Women’s Liga F matches and the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
It’s available now on Virgin Media 554 and via the free Pluto TV streaming service.