The new domestic television deal for the Premier League is unlikely to see a big increase in the cost of the contract, but there may be changes in what is offered to viewers.
Far more than half of all Premier League matches could be shown live from 2019. Three options are up for discussion: 190, 200 or 210 of the 380 top flight games played each season. At present 168 games are aired each season, but the league has promised regulator Ofcom that it will make at least 190 available in the next three year deal which will run to 2022. If the maximum option is chosen with 42 additional matches televised that would mean more matches shown midweek and on bank holidays.
The Premier League is considering introducing a prime time late night slot for Premier League matches but will try to protect the practice of not permitting any live broadcasts of 3pm matches on Saturdays. There would also be occasions when two live matches would be screened simultaneously which would dilute the audience.
In 2015 Sky and BT paid a combined £5.1bn, a 67 per cent increase, for the domestic rights with the bulk of the matches going to Sky. There is not expected to be more than a modest increase this time even if a digital giant such as Facebook or Amazon submits a bid. BT is more focused on Champions League coverage, although it would like to have the Saturday night slot.
The big six clubs are sulking after they failed to get a bigger share of overseas television rights and may resist efforts to give broadcasters greater access to players, managers and dressing rooms.
The tender is expected to go out to broadcasters before Christmas with the auction to be completed in February.
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