The Premier League has set a new benchmark in sports media rights with its latest domestic television deal, securing a record-breaking £6.7 billion ($8.45 billion) for a four-year period starting from the 2025/26 season. This significant agreement marks a substantial increase from the current £5 billion deal over three years, covering 200 matches per season.
This landmark deal, described by the English top flight as the “largest sports media rights deals ever concluded in the UK,” sees the continuation of partnerships with prominent broadcasters. Sky Sports and TNT Sports will maintain their broadcasting rights. Sky Sports is set to showcase a minimum of 215 live matches per season, and TNT Sports will cover 52 games. However, Amazon, which currently broadcasts 20 matches per season, is not included in the new cycle. BBC Sport will continue to present highlights through its popular Match of the Day programme.
A notable change in the new agreement is the decision to broadcast all matches live, except those scheduled for 3:00 pm on Saturdays, maintaining the traditional Saturday afternoon blackout to support lower league attendances.
The Premier League highlighted a four percent increase in the value of live rights compared to previous negotiations. However, the cost per game for broadcasters will decrease due to the increased number of matches shown each season.
Richard Masters, the Premier League’s chief executive, praised the deal, attributing its success to the clubs, players, and managers who deliver competitive football in packed stadiums, and the fans who create an unmatched atmosphere. He acknowledged the long-standing relationships with Sky Sports and TNT Sports, citing their world-class coverage and programming as key to driving record audiences and attendances.
This new deal, the first tender process since 2018, offers financial stability for clubs across professional football until at least 2029. The current agreement was extended for an additional three years in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic’s impact.
This agreement maintains the Premier League’s substantial financial edge over European rivals, thanks to highly lucrative domestic and international TV rights deals. Last year, international rights for the English top flight surpassed domestic rights for the first time, estimated to bring in £5.3 billion between 2022 and 2025.
The financial strength of the Premier League is further underscored by the Deloitte Football Money League, where 11 out of the top 20 clubs belong to the English top flight, with Manchester City leading the pack.
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