Sky to fight for Premier League rights

English Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has issued a stern warning to Sky over the future of league’s broadcasting rights.

The current agreement that allows Sky to broadcast Premier League games reaches the end of its three-year cycle in August 2013.

The Premier League intend to put out an ‘invitation to tender’ (ITT) for the next cycle, which will open up a bidding process based on deliverable quality of service.

After beating Canal+ to secure Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League rights in France, Qatar-based Al-Jazeera have been tipped as the most likely broadcaster to end Sky’s partnership with the Premier League.

Despite recognising the positive impact Sky have had on English football, Scudamore said there were no guarantees they would keep hold of Premier League viewing rights.

“Of course we have huge regard for them and respect, Sky’s made it a fantastic impact on our business,” Scudamore said on Wednesday.

“Ultimately whatever umbilical cord there might be as an ongoing working commercial relationship – that gets severed when the ITT gets issued and once we’re in the process there’s nothing they can do other than be the best bidder to win those rights.”

Sky have provided the United Kingdom with live Premier League coverage since the competition’s inception in 1992.