As many as three new sports channels could be rolled out on BT Vision.

BT could house its newly acquired sporting content on as many as three TV channels, according to people with knowledge of the plans.

Speaking to the Financial Times, the unnamed sources revealed the telecoms giant is planning to introduce at least two sports channels to broadcast Barclays Premier League football, Aviva Premiership rugby union and other content.

The company is also thought to be considering a third service to carry one-off pay-per-view action and on-demand programming.

People familiar with the move explained the sheer quantity of sporting rights acquired by BT means multiple channels will be required to avoid scheduling clashes. Furthermore, market testing suggests consumers see greater value for money in a multichannel proposition.

For its part, BT declined to comment on the speculation.

In recent months, the communications firm has acquired the rights to screen 38 live Premier League football games per season for three years from 2013-14, including 18 premium 'first pick' matches.

BT has also signed rights agreements with top-tier football leagues in Italy, France, Brazil and the US, and will become the exclusive UK home of Premiership rugby union for four years from 2013-14.