BSkyB Retains Current EPL Rights, Two Packages Still Up For Grabs
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BSkyB Maintains Current U.K. EPL TV
Rights In New Deal |
BSkyB has retained the "rights to four of the six packages available" for televised EPL games as part of the bidding process for U.K. rights, according to Nick Harris of the London INDEPENDENT. The deal, which gives BSkyB rights from the '10-11 season through the '12-13 season, is reportedly "worth close to the [US$1.9B] the broadcaster paid for its current rights," which began in the '07-08 season. Harris notes "no figures for the new deal will be confirmed until the bidding process has been concluded for the remaining two packages, but industry sources believe the rights values overall have held up." A source: "Even with the tough economic climate, it was never going to make sense for Sky to bid much lower, or indeed any lower than last time, because by definition that would lead to them potentially damaging a key product" (London INDEPENDENT, 2/4). In London, Paul Kelso reports Sky's four packages "are understood to be the ones Sky currently screen, featuring the most attractive Sunday 1:30pm and 4pm kick-offs, as well as giving the broadcasters the first pick from each round of Premier League fixtures." Meanwhile, the remaining two packages, currently held by Setanta, "are likely to go to a second round of bidding before being awarded." Setanta likely will face competition from ESPN and possibly Sky, which "could tighten their hold over the market were they to secure another package" (London TELEGRAPH, 2/4).
SETANTA HAS THE MOST TO LOSE: In London, Matt Dickinson notes Setanta is "desperate to keep the two packages it bought for [US$563.6M] last time," as the net has "established itself in the market through its Premier League rights." The net figures to be the "most anxious of the bidders" for the remaining two broadcast packages, as Sky "is entitled to own five out of the six packages" under EU regulations and ESPN is still in the mix. But the bidding process "is kept so secretive that none of the companies knows who it is bidding against, or how many rivals are involved" (LONDON TIMES, 2/4).
FINANCIAL BOOST: BRAND REPUBLIC's James Quilter notes the Sky deal "will come as a relief to many football clubs as the money generated by the deal will offset an expected fall in season ticket demand for next season as consumers cut back on spending" (BRANDREPUBLIC.com, 2/4). In Manchester, Owen Gibson notes "even if income from the domestic live rights goes down it is hoped that an increase in the value of overseas rights and new media platforms will make up the difference" (Manchester GUARDIAN, 2/4).
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