Sky Sports' Super Sunday Slot Under Threat in Premier League Television Rights Auction
The multi-billion-pound Premier League television rights auction is set to resume on Tuesday, with a second round of bidding expected to commence for all seven packages of matches on offer. The biggest battle may center on the coveted 4pm Sunday slot, which Sky Sports has held since the Premier League began. Analysts estimate that losing this slot could cost Sky Sports a fifth of its profits and a third of its sports subscribers. Sky Sports was forced to pay big to prevent BT Sport from snatching the package during the last auction, and it is likely to have to spend even more to keep it this time.
Key Takeaways:
- The Premier League television rights auction is set to resume on Tuesday with a second round of bidding.
- The 4pm Sunday slot, held by Sky Sports since the Premier League began, is the most coveted package, with analysts estimating its loss could cost Sky Sports 20% of its profits and 33% of its sports subscribers.
- The auction is expected to be more competitive, with reports suggesting multiple bidders, including Discovery Network and Qatar-based beIN Sports, may join the fray.
- A combination of multiple bids and all seven packages still being available could result in an increase of 20% or more on the previous auction's $3.018 billion windfall for Premier League clubs.
- Sky Sports will seek to retain the maximum number of matches allowed by the Premier League (126 out of 168), while BT Sport is likely to target at least 18 additional games to increase its current 38-game package.
Statistics:
- The Premier League television rights auction is expected to generate a significant increase in revenue for Premier League clubs.
- The current windfall from the last auction was $3.018 billion.
- Analysts estimate that losing the 4pm Sunday slot could cost Sky Sports 20% of its profits and 33% of its sports subscribers.
Sources:
- Sky Sports
- BT Sport
- Discovery Network
- beIN Sports
- Premier League