BBC Re-Ups for Premier League Highlights

LONDON: The BBC has renewed its agreement to broadcast Premier League highlights for a further three years, taking it through the 2018-19 season.

The agreement covers the weekend programming of Match of the Day; its Sunday morning repeat MOTD2; Football Focus; plus a new midweek magazine show to air Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. on BBC Two and BBC Two HD. All of the BBC’s Premier League programs will be available on the BBC iPlayer.

Barbara Slater, the director of BBC Sport, said: “We’re delighted to retain the rights to show Premier League highlights on the BBC, and continue to bring the most popular league in the world to our audiences. Match of the Day is the most iconic brand in television sport, and we work hard to ensure that it continues to be the destination for millions of viewers each weekend across platforms. It’s very exciting to be able to add a new midweek show to the mix, reflecting the continued appetite for Premier League action and analysis.”

Tony Hall, BBC's director general, added: “Sport matters. It brings the nation together. It can break hearts and raise spirits. And because it matters to the public, it also matters to the BBC.

“That’s why it’s fantastic news that we have kept the Premier League highlights.

"It’s the best and most exciting league in the world. The BBC has made the highlights program, through Match of the Day, a national treasure, and fans can look forward to enjoying all the drama with us for another three years.”