BT Secures Premier League Broadcast Rights in Three-Year Deal Extension

Strategic Insights -

BT Group PLC (LON:BT.A) has retained its broadcast rights to the Premier League for another three years, extending its deal with the football league from 2022 to 2025. This move comes as a result of the Premier League choosing to "roll over" its existing deal with Sky, BT, and Amazon Prime, rather than testing the market for a new agreement. The decision has significant implications for BT, as it secures one of its most prized assets amidst its plans to sell its sports broadcasting business.

Key Takeaways:

  • BT has retained its exclusive broadcast rights to the Premier League for three years, from 2022 to 2025, as part of a deal extension.
  • The extension allows BT to continue broadcasting Premier League fixtures live in the UK, with a package of solidarity payments worth £100mln going to lower tiers of the English football pyramid.
  • The deal is reportedly worth a significant amount, with BT unable to confirm the exact cost due to confidentiality terms.
  • BT's retention of the Premier League rights is a significant move as it explores its options for the future, including potential sales or joint ventures of its sports broadcasting business.
  • The deal extension comes as news that BT is in early-stage talks with potential investors in its sports broadcasting business, including DAZN, Amazon, Disney, and private equity firms.
  • The Premier League has chosen not to test the market for a new broadcast deal, opting instead for a low-key and lower-risk option.

Statistics:

  • The deal extension is worth a minimum of £100mln in solidarity payments to lower tiers of the English football pyramid.
  • BT's sports broadcasting business is reportedly up for sale, with initial talks taking place with DAZN, Amazon, Disney, and private equity firms.
  • The Premier League has a package worth £5bn in broadcast revenue for three years, from 2019 to 2022.
  • BT's retention of the Premier League rights secures one of its most valuable assets, amidst plans to focus on its core broadband and telecoms businesses.

Sources:

  • BT Group PLC (LON:BT.A) press release
  • Premier League press release
  • Financial Times: "BT explores options for sports broadcasting business"
  • READ: BT pivoting to consistent and predictable growth (article link not included)