N
net1
Guest
A press conference held today by the Premier League has confirmed BSkyB winning the television rights to all live Premier League games. BSkyB have reportedly forked out £1.024bn, which will see Sky Sports screen live Premier League games for another three years-until 2006/07. BSkyB is paying £358m for the first tier of 38 matches (package one), £282m for the second tier of 38 matches (package two) , £230m for the third tier of 31 matches a (package three) and £154m for the fourth tier of 31 matches (package four). Speaking after the Premier League announced its decision, Tony Ball, BSkyB Chief Executive, said: "Sky is delighted to be continuing its relationship with the Premier League for a further three seasons. The new arrangements are good news for Premiership clubs and good news for viewers, who can look forward to many more matches on Sky than ever before." In another shocking move, the BBC have won back the highlights package from ITV, which sees the return of highlights show Match Of The Day on BBC One. The Premier League said that the BBC's £105m bid was much more attractive than ITV's. "We are delighted to have won back the rights to the Premier League Highlights on Saturday and Sunday night. Peter Salmon, Director of BBC Sport said. "We have missed the highlights programme, and it feels like we are welcoming back an old and much loved friend." Unlike before, the TV rights have only been sold in the UK and excludes Eire. The new deal goes live from August
