Quote:
Originally Posted by Chad
The Premier League has issued an invitation to tender for the domestic UK broadcast rights for the 2013-14 to 2015-16 football seasons.
It says 154 matches will be shown live on TV each season from 2013-14 - 16 more than currently broadcast and more than 40% of all top-level matches
The extra 16 live games comes as matches are moved away from Saturday 15:00 kick-off times, due to Europa League involvement or police advice.
No 15:00 kick-offs can be shown live.
The 154 games will be split into seven packages comprising five packages of 26 matches and two packages of 12 matches. No one buyer will be allowed to buy more than five packages or 116 matches.
The current rights are held by Sky and ESPN, and a challenge from Al Jazeera is also expected this time round.
"This creates a more attractive and compelling offering for both broadcasters and fans; whilst allowing the continued protection of the Saturday 3pm 'closed window' and minimising further displacement of Premier League fixtures," said the league.
Another sales process will be conducted for two "near live" packages each containing 226 matches, and an internet-based clips package for all 380 matches.
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Thanks Chad. So Sky could get five packages (4 more games) and ESPN two packages (12 more games). That would keep everybody happy.
Al Jazeera the wild card to keep the bids high?