Sky and BT Sport pay £5.1bn for Premier League television rights

Sky Sports and BT Sport will continue their UK coverage of the Premier League after agreeing to pay more than £5.1bn for the latest rights.

The latest television deal that covers three seasons from 2016/17 onwards has seen Sky granted five of the seven match packages, totalling 126 live games per season, including new Friday evening games alongside Monday evening games.

BT Sport will broadcast 42 games live per season, including Saturday's 5.30pm slot and midweek fixtures.

Both companies will be paying on average £10.2m per match following a 70% increase, with 168 games to be shown per season.

The announcement still sees Sky dominate domestic football coverage in the UK but BT Sport did secure an enormous Champions League and Europa League deal in November 2013, providing it with exclusive coverage from next season onwards.

The Discovery Channel and BeIN Sports are believed to have made unsuccessful bids.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "Premier League clubs deliver competitive and compelling football to fans in stadiums and on television, driving interest levels to new heights.

"Last season saw record levels of attendance with the highest top-flight crowds since 1949-50, as well as increased viewing figures across all our UK rights holders.

"Both Sky Sports and BT Sport have done a tremendous job in bringing the game to the fans as well as providing the revenue that allows clubs to invest in football, facilities, youth development and their communities.

"It is an endorsement of what the Barclays Premier League delivers that these broadcast partnerships have been extended and enhanced today. We are grateful for the continued belief that Sky Sports and BT Sport have in the Premier League and our clubs, both as a sporting competition and organisations to work with."