BT Sport continue broadcasting Prem until 2024
PREMIERSHIP Rugby have agreed a new deal with BT Sport which will see the broadcaster show matches until 2024.
The channel will have exclusive rights to show English rugby’s top tier of domestic competition, which it first aired in 2013.
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the broadcaster has shown every game live since the August restart.
BT Sport subscribers will continue to enjoy up to 80 live games (69 Premiership Rugby and 11 in the Premiership Rugby Cup) every season.
The amount BT Sport has paid has not been disclosed, although it has been reported as being more than £100m but a little lower than BT offered to pay earlier this year. The Premiership had hoped a broadcast bidding war would push the price up.
BT Sport managing director Andy Haworth said: “This has been an extremely difficult year for sport, this is a partnership that extends beyond the TV screen, and we hope this agreement helps to give rugby clubs in the UK some certainty for the future in these difficult times.
“We will continue to play our part in bringing the best TV coverage of top flight club rugby to our viewers, while they are not able to attend live sport.”
Darren Childs, chief executive of Premiership Rugby said: “BT Sport have been incredibly supportive partners of Premiership Rugby since they showed their first live match in 2013.
“This year we have innovated together, with Match Pass, and in bringing all the season’s games to fans through a difficult period for live sports.
“We are pleased we have reached an agreement to extend our partnership through to 2024.”