Four-way battle for FA Cup TV rights

The BBC, ITV, Sky and BT Sport have all submitted bids for the TV rights to the FA Cup, according to Broadcast.

The three-year deal begins with the 2014-15 season and also covers rights to England international friendlies, the Community Shield, Under-21 games, the FA Trophy and the FA Youth Cup.

BT Sport currently holds the rights to some FA Cup games for the 2013-14 season after acquiring ESPN's UK properties, while ITV is able to show 16 FA Cup games per season in addition to England's home and away friendlies.

Sky, which has the remaining home nations in its roster, and the BBC have now entered the fray for the packages, which are likely to cost well in excess of the £43m-per-season currently paid by ITV.

The deadline for submission of bids was last Friday.