Premier League agrees new £450m TV rights deal with broadcaster ESPN
The Premier League has agreed a contract extension with ESPN worth £450m for broadcast rights in South America and the Caribbean until 2031.
Top-flight clubs were informed of the lucrative new agreement at a shareholders’ meeting on Friday.
This fresh package represents a significant financial boost for the competition, marking a 25% increase on the value of the current arrangement in the region.
International growth offsets domestic stagnation
While the English top flight continues to surge in value overseas, the domestic market has experienced a slight plateau.
Current UK contracts with Sky Sports and TNT Sports are valued at a combined £1.67bn, though the actual cost per fixture has dropped by approximately 10%.
This latest injection of cash from the Americas serves as a timely counter-balance to the falling individual value of broadcasted games within the United Kingdom.
Executives were also provided updates regarding rights in other territories that are approaching renewal, with hopes high for further increases.
Future of the 3pm blackout
The disparity between the booming international market and domestic figures has intensified discussions regarding the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout.
While fans in South America can access every fixture live, UK audiences remain restricted during the traditional Saturday afternoon slot.
Jonathan Licht, managing director of Sky Sports, suggested earlier this season that the industry is moving towards a debate on the issue.
“There’s clearly a direction of travel and lots of conversation about Saturday 3pms, and I think that will perhaps increase as we go through this cycle.”
Jonathan Licht, Sky Sports Managing Director
“It’s a conversation that’s coming.”
However, Premier League chief executive Richard Masters maintained in October that the organisation remains “committed” to the protected window for the time being.
“It’s not a decision we make alone. It’s done in conjunction with other footballing bodies, including the English Football League (EFL) and the Football Association (FA).”
Richard Masters, Premier League CEO