The BBC is to launch a new midweek Premier League magazine show to its schedules after renewing its deal to show highlights from the competition for a a further three years.
Today’s £200m deal secures the future of Match Of The Day up until the 2018/19 season and covers use of the highlights in the broadcaster’s flagship show, its Sunday morning repeat MOTD2; Football Focus and the new midweek magazine.
Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer will continue to lead the BBC’s coverage and all of the BBC’s Premier League programmes will be available on the BBC iPlayer.
Confirming the deal, Barbara Slater, Director BBC Sport said: “We’re delighted to retain the rights to show Premier League highlights on the BBC, and continue to bring the most popular league in the world to our audiences.
“Match of the Day is the most iconic brand in television sport, and we work hard to ensure that it continues to be the destination for millions of viewers each weekend across platforms.
“It’s very exciting to be able to add a new midweek show to the mix, reflecting the continued appetite for Premier League action and analysis.”
BBC Director General Tony Hall added: “Sport matters. It brings the nation together. It can break hearts and raise spirits. And because it matters to the public, it also matters to the BBC.
“That’s why it’s fantastic news that we have kept the Premier League highlights.
“It’s the best and most exciting league in the world. The BBC has made the highlights programme, through Match of the Day, a national treasure, and fans can look forward to enjoying all the drama with us for another three years.”
“The BBC has done a fantastic job with its Match of the Day programmes which provide high quality coverage and analysis for fans of Premier League clubs,” Premier League Chief Executive, Richard Scudamore, said.
“The UK highlights allow the competition to be viewed by the maximum number of fans across the country and the addition of a mid-week magazine show will add a new dimension to the BBC’s Premier League coverage.”