The English Premier League fattened its wallet, with Britain’s Sky and BT signing on to pay around $7.8 billion for a three-year domestic rights deal in the country. That marks a 70% spike over the previous contract with the new accord running through 2018, and joins an earlier deal with the BBC announced a month ago. Overall, Sky ponies up $6.4 billion to carry 126 games per season, while BT’s deal showcases 42 live games.
“We are looking forward to bringing even more live Premier League football to viewers. Only Sky Sports will have the best match picks and the best slots so our viewers will be able to follow the biggest matches, the key head to heads and every club at least four times,” said Barney Francis, Managing Director of Sky Sports.