MANCHESTER, England — The Premier League has agreed to a deal with domestic television broadcasters for games outside of those in the normal broadcast slots to be shown via pay-per-view.
So far this season, BT Sport and Sky Sports have been broadcasting all Premier League games as part of their existing football packages — a temporary measure due to the barring of spectators in grounds as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But under the new interim plan, those matches not already selected for broadcast in October, will now be available only for purchase via pay-per-view platforms.
The revenue, beyond production and other costs, from the PPV games will go to the clubs and not to the broadcasters.
Sky Sports said the matches will be priced at 14.95 pounds ($19.43) per game in the UK and 16.95 euros ($20.03) in Ireland.
The #PL today confirmed all fixtures until the end of October will continue to be made available to fans to watch live in the UK
— Premier League (@premierleague) October 9, 2020
"Under these new arrangements, the current live match selections will remain in place and will be broadcast as normal," the league said in a statement.
"In addition, the five matches per round not already selected will be made available to supporters on a pay-per-view basis, accessed via BT Sport Box Office and Sky Sports Box Office platforms.
The new broadcasting arrangement is planned for matches in October and will then be reviewed by the Premier League.
"The Premier League has worked closely with Sky Sports and BT Sport to provide this arrangement and is grateful for their support," the league added.
"The agreement will be regularly reviewed in consultation with clubs and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums."
Sky said it would broadcast the Manchester United match at Newcastle United on Saturday Oct. 17, Leicester City v Aston Villa a day later and West Bromwich Albion v Burnley on Monday Oct. 19.
“The Premier League has come to this decision with its clubs to provide a service for supporters who are no longer able attend and to generate matchday revenue," Sky Sports Managing Director Rob Webster said.
"We are happy to support them with this interim solution — and we share their desire to get fans back into grounds as soon as it is safe to do so," he added.
($1 = 0.8463 euros) ($1 = 0.7693 pounds)
(Reporting by Simon Evans; Editing by Ken Ferris)
