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BBC retains Premier League TV rights

BBC Sport fights off fierce competition to win the rights to air Premier League highlights for the next three years.

BBC Sport has won the battle to show Premier League highlights over the next three years.

It had been reported that ITV Sport was close to landing the package for the rights to show all the action from England's top flight, although an agreement has now been reached with the BBC following a winning bid thought to be in the region of £204m.

As part of the deal, the terrestrial broadcaster will continue to air flagship show Match of the Day - currently fronted by former England international Gary Lineker - while also rolling out a new midweek magazine show which will air at 10pm on Wednesday nights.

"The new midweek programme will review and preview the weekend's action with all the latest Premier League news, going behind the scenes at Premier League clubs, and bringing interviews with managers, players and those who have made their mark on the league's illustrious history," said a statement issued by the BBC.

Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, added: "We're delighted. 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."

The BBC will also continue to roll out current shows such as Match of the Day 2 and Football Focus.

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