Sky Sports and TNT Sports have successfully secured deals for the Premier League broadcasting rights until the end of the 2028/29 season. The combined rights fee for these agreements, along with BBC's highlights rights, amounts to a staggering £6.7 billion.
The new contracts will take effect from the start of the 2025/26 season, marking a shift from previous three-year agreements. This change is significant as it represents an increase on the £5.1 billion paid by Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Prime Video, and BBC Sport during their last rights auction in 2018.
Richard Masters, Premier League chief Executive, said:
“We are delighted to announce new deals with Sky Sports and TNT Sports that will extend our partnership for a further four years and see more Premier League matches than ever before shown live from 2025/26 onwards.
“As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming. We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League.
Despite disruptions caused by the pandemic leading to rollovers of broadcasting rights, this new deal signifies a robust recovery for sports broadcasting.
According to claims made by The Premier League itself, there has been a notable increase of approximately 4% in live rights value compared to previous auctions. However, it's important to note that this comes with more games being offered under longer-term deals.
Sky Sports emerges as leading broadcaster
Sky Sports package of broadcasting rights includes four packages with at least 215 games - up to an additional hundred than what they currently air. This is considered as maximum package allotment for any single broadcaster.
Their agreement includes all first-pick matches along with Friday and Monday night fixtures; all games on the final day; multiple simultaneous live matches on Sundays at 2pm slot; and three full midweek rounds of fixtures.
TNT Sports continues its hold over Saturday lunchtime spot along with two mid-week rounds - amounting up-to a total of fifty-two live games throughout the season.
Interestingly enough, TNT remains as the only broadcaster outside Sky having any live Premier League football despite earlier speculations about Prime Video and DAZN bidding for the rights.
BBC Sport retains highlights rights
BBC Sport highlights package will continue, with additional digital rights for BBC’s online platforms. This ensures that fans who miss live games can still catch up on key moments and highlights from their favourite teams' performances.
The new broadcasting deals represent a significant milestone in sports broadcasting, reflecting both the enduring popularity of Premier League football and the increasing value of live sports content. As Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and BBC Sport gear up for another four years of thrilling football action, fans around the world can look forward to more comprehensive coverage than ever before.
