Sky and BT have between them been awarded five of the seven packages in the Premier League UK TV rights round for 2019/20-2021/22 at a total bidding price of £4.464 billion.
However, two packages are yet to be awarded, with the League saying there are “multiple bidders” for the remaining packs. The implication is that the much-touted bids by technology companies Facebook, Twitter and Apple could be in play.
BT Sport has taken Package A, while packages B, C, D and E have been awarded to Sky. It means that BT loses its Saturday teatime match in favour of one on Saturday lunchtimes.
Sky will retain its matches in the now familiar Sunday lunchtime, Sunday teatime and Monday evening slots. It also has midweek and eight new Saturday evening matches.
The undecided packages F and G are for midweek and bank holiday games.
“We are extremely pleased that BT and Sky continue to view the Premier League and our clubs as such an important part of their offering,” Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said. “Both broadcasters are fantastic partners for the Premier League and have a track record of making our competition available to fans across the country through their high-quality and innovative programming.
Paolo Pescatore, Vice President, Multiplay and Media, CCS Insight said both fans and broadcasters will breathe a sigh of relief that the outcome largely maintains the status quo.
“This is great news for consumers as they will not be forced to sign up with another provider to watch football. It is already challenging to sign up to both BT Sports and Sky Sports, but had an online giant got involved that would have meant another billing relationship and destination – what a mess for consumers,” he said
“Despite more games being available, the Premier League has failed to maximise its prized asset. This suggests that there is clearly a ceiling that consumers are willing to pay for watching Premier League games and subsequently what providers’ are willing to bid for.”
The remaining allocations are expected to be announced on Wednesday.
Live packages
Package A
Total matches: 32 – 20 second picks, 12 fifth picks
Matches per club: Max six; Min one
Kick-off times: 32 matches at Saturday 12.30
Package B
Total matches: 32 (15 first picks, five third picks, 12 fifth picks)
Matches per club: Max six; Min one
Kick-off times: 32 matches at Saturday 17.30
Package C
Total matches: 32 (14 second picks; 18 fourth picks)
Matches per club: Max five; Min one
Kick-off times: 24 matches at Sunday 14.00 and 8 matches at Saturday 19.45
Package D
Total matches: 32 (19 first picks; seven third picks; six fourth picks)
Matches per club: Max five; Min one
Kick-off times: 32 matches at Sunday 16.30
Package E
Total matches: 32 (22 third picks; 10 fourth picks)
Matches per club: Max five; Min none
Kick-off times: 24 matches at Monday 20.00 or Friday 19.30 – 20.00 and 8 matches at Sunday 14.00
Package F
Total matches: 20
Matches per club: Max two; Min two
Kick-off times: All 20 matches from one Bank Holiday and one midweek fixture programme
Package G
Total matches: 20
Matches per club: Max two; Min two
Kick-off times: All 20 matches from two midweek fixture programmes
