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MUMBAI:
Following on from the successful sale of media rights in the
home market, Barclays Premier League has commenced the sale
process for Americas which is expected to witness fierce bidding
particularly in the lucrative United States market.
The
Premier League's Invitation to Tender (ITT) spanning seasons
2013/14 - 2015/16 has been divided into five broadcast territories:
USA, Canada, South & Central America, The Caribbean, and
Brazil.
The
Premier League had secured a record breaking television deal
worth £3.018 billion with pay TV broadcaster Sky Sports
and British Telecom for the UK market.
Executives
at leading Premier League clubs are expecting a similar windfall
from Americas (read US) where the game considered a foreign
import is gaining popularity even as local leagues are thriving.
According
to Bloomberg, the US will see bidding war as incumbent rights
holder Fox Entertainment Group will have to overcome competition
from Walt Disney's ESPN and newly launched Al Jazeera's beIN
Sport, who are expected to bid aggressively for the rights.
NBC Sports is also expected to throw in its hat into the ring.
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