ITV becomes lead Europa League broadcaster

ITV will be the lead broadcaster of the Europa League in the UK under a new three-year deal.

The new agreement begins with the 2012/13 season and ends Channel 5's three-year holding of the rights.

Under the deal, ITV will get the first and second picks of games, while ESPN will have the rights to the rest. Most of ITV's matches are expected to be broadcast on ITV4 and itv.com, although the later stages of the competition could air on ITV1.

ITV is also home to Champions League in the UK until 2015.