Premier League granted government permission to roll over broadcast deal

The Premier League has been granted permission by the government to roll over its existing broadcasting deal until 2025. 

The new agreement with Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and the BBC will run from 2022 until 2025.

Ordinarily, the Premier League would have had to open bidding for its rights when its existing deal expired at the end of the season. However, as confirmed in a statement, the government has granted an exclusion order under the Competition Act 1998. The move is a temporary measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Premier League clubs had been concerned that the value of the deal would decrease if the normal bidding process went on, as the broadcasting package decreased 10% the last time the rights were awarded. 

Those fears have been staved off, though, but broadcasting companies have been instructed to keep their prices the same to protect consumer interests. 

As part of the deal the Premier League will also maintain its commitment to supporting the grassroots game. Investment in National League clubs, women’s football and community facilities can all be expected. Funding for additional heart defibrillators has also been announced. 

As reported by the BBC, Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston said the exclusion order 'would provide stability for the football pyramid coming out of the pandemic'.

Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, added: "The Premier League welcomes the government’s approval to renew our UK broadcast arrangements for the next three-year cycle.

"This allows us to commit to increasing our support to the football pyramid and communities for the next four years, which is vital following the significant impact that COVID-19 has had on football. We will work with our football partners to ensure that this investment helps the game recover and lay foundations for a positive future."