Exciting goals, controversial officiating, and thrilling comebacks made for an action-packed weekend in the Premier League, showcasing why English top-tier soccer has become such a profitable and attractive product.
The Premier League revealed on Monday that it had secured a historic domestic television contract valued at £6.7bn ($8.45bn) with We and TNT Sports, hailing it as the "biggest sports media rights deal ever reached in the UK."
On November 4, 2023, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, players gather around referee Stuart Attwell while VAR reviews the Newcastle United goal during the Premier League showdown with Arsenal FC at St. James Park. (Photo by Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Alex Dodd/CameraSport/Getty Images
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The agreement also includes the BBC retaining the rights to broadcast highlights on its popular program "Match of the Day."
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters expressed, "The result of this agreement highlights the Premier League's strength and is a testament to our clubs, players, and managers who consistently deliver the world's most competitive football in packed stadiums. It also recognizes the supporters who create an unparalleled atmosphere every week."
All three contracts will span four years, beginning with the 2025/26 season, and will bring about some modifications to the existing schedule. The 3pm blackout rule, which prohibits live broadcasts of games starting at that time, will be maintained, but the updated agreement will result in all Sunday 2pm kick offs being televised live.
TNT Sports will broadcast 52 live matches each season under the new agreement, while we pledge to show at least 215 games. "We are thrilled to continue providing fans with exclusive Premier League matches for the next five seasons," stated Andrew Georgiou, President and MD, UK & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe.
Dana Strong, CEO of Sky Group, expressed, "We take pride in our longstanding partnership with the Premier League and are excited to bring even more excitement, entertainment, and innovation to fans in the coming years." TNT Sports, like CNN, is under the ownership of Warner Bros. Discovery.