The Premier League has confirmed BT and Amazon as winners of the two rights packages which had been left unsold since February.
Earlier this year both BT and Sky retained access to the nation’s most watched sporting contest, with Sky scooping the rights to 128 matches across various rights packages and BT winning 32.
However two additional bundles of 20 games each failed to meet their reserve price, forcing the League to continue the sales process.
BT has secured one of the packages, giving it 20 midweek matches, with Amazon taking the second which includes 20 matches per season from one Bank Holiday and one midweek fixture programme.
The arrival of a third broadcaster means fans will need to pay more to watch all the televised games.
Andy Haworth, managing director for content and strategy for BT’s Consumer division said: “We’re delighted to be able to offer our customers even more Premier League matches and to create exciting mid-week nights of top flight Premier League football action.”
“We look forward to continuing as a partner of the Premier League and showcasing the most exciting league in the world.”
Amazon says it’ll offer its 20 matches via Prime Video in the UK at no extra cost.
“We are always looking to add more value to Prime, and we’re delighted to now offer, for the first time, live Premier League matches to Prime members at no extra cost to their membership,” said Jay Marine, Vice President of Prime Video in Europe.
“The Premier League is the most watched sports league in the world.
“Over these two December fixture rounds Prime members will be able to watch every team, every game, so no matter which Premier League team you support, you’re guaranteed to see them play live on Prime Video.”
Previously announced deals to add both Sky’s Now TV and Amazon Prime Video to the platform means BT TV customers will be able to access all Premier League matches on a single box, subject to having the necessary subscriptions.
“We are extremely pleased that Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon have invested in these rights and all view the Premier League and our clubs as vital parts of their live sports offerings,” Premier League Executive Chairman Richard Scudamore said.
“Sky and BT are established Premier League partners and provide first-rate coverage of the competition through their live-match broadcasts and comprehensive programming.
“We welcome Amazon as an exciting new partner and we know Prime Video will provide an excellent service on which fans can consume the Premier League.
“The interest in our UK rights is testament to the fantastic competition delivered by our clubs. This outcome will support their continued efforts to put on the best possible football and use their popularity and reach to have a positive impact on the sport and beyond.”
From next season Sky customers will be able to buy BT’s sports channels direct from the satellite broadcaster, giving them access to BT’s matches.
BT and Sky have both confirmed that they’ve also won the Irish rights for their packages.
Split of UK live rights
Sky Sports
128 matches per season consisting of:
Package B 32 matches at Saturday 17:30
Package C 24 matches at Sunday 14:00 and eight matches at Saturday 19:45
Package D 32 matches at Sunday 16:30
Package E 24 matches at Monday 20:00 or Friday 19:30–20:00 and eight matches at Sunday 14:00
BT Sport
52 matches per season consisting of
Package A 32 matches at Saturday 12:30
Package G 15 matches from two midweek fixture programmes and five matches from the split weekend
Amazon Prime Video
Package F 20 matches per season from one Bank Holiday and one midweek fixture programme
