UK-based broadcaster BSkyB has clinched an exclusive deal, breaking the TV rights record by winning primary coverage of the English Premier League for a staggering $4.7 billion, a 71% jump over last years rights value. New competitor BT came in at a shock surprise second place in a $1.2 billion deal, securing 38 live matches […]
UK-based broadcaster BSkyB has clinched an exclusive deal, breaking the TV rights record by winning primary coverage of the English Premier League for a staggering $4.7 billion, a 71% jump over last years rights value. New competitor BT came in at a shock surprise second place in a $1.2 billion deal, securing 38 live matches including the all-important opening game of the season. Although pay television broadcaster BSkyB has been able to retain its live broadcasting rights, the three-year contract now including BT has brought a dramatic shift to British sports broadcasting.
BT seems to have invested its money where the competition is, upping its game to compete with Sky and Virgin Media in homes across Britain. Disney-owned sports giant, ESPN, has lost all the Premier League rights it previously owned, with Al Jazeera also being knocked out of the equation.
There is much conjecture about who will secure the rights for the Premier League in the Middle East, with present owner Abu Dhabi Media and competitor Al Jazeera in the running. Overseas deals generate an additional $2 billion, and more three-year deals will be negotiated within the coming months. Word is that we wont know who holds the rights for the Middle East until September.
As Premier League footballers can be expected to get richer with salary figures and transfer deals increasing substantially, it could be left with the fans to cover costs. Supporters fear subscription costs will rise considerably. However, the Premier League has expressed an interest in developing youth talent and a new infrastructure. This would, therefore, give football fans exactly what they want by enhancing top quality football and world class stadia.
