The Premier League recently renewed its UK live audio commentary rights with the BBC and talkSPORT for the 2022/23 to 2024/25 seasons. This deal, resulting from a competitive process, involves seven packages, ensuring that both BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT will continue to broadcast Premier League matches across various time slots. The BBC secured key broadcasts, including first-pick Saturday 3 PM matches, Saturday evenings, and prime Sunday afternoon slots. Meanwhile, talkSPORT retained rights to other prominent slots, including the second-choice Saturday 3 PM matches and Friday/Monday evening games.
This partnership allows the BBC to maintain its strong Premier League presence, while talkSPORT, as the only national commercial radio partner, has expanded its coverage, delivering a broad array of matches across its talkSPORT and talkSPORT2 channels. Both networks emphasize the importance of Premier League audio coverage as a core element of their offerings for football fans, with executives highlighting their commitment to quality and wide-reaching broadcasts for UK audience
s. Meanwhile, talkSPORT has maintained and even bolstered its position as the Premier League’s primary commercial radio partner. Known for its “GameDay” programming, talkSPORT will cover second-pick Saturday 3 PM matches, along with exclusive Saturday lunchtime and Monday/Friday evening slots, which include rescheduled games. This diverse offering makes talkSPORT a go-to for fans seeking comprehensive audio access to matches.
Both networks have invested in top commentary and analysis teams, which have become a trusted source for millions of listeners across the UK. BBC’s Director of Sport, Barbara Slater, emphasized that this deal fortifies the BBC’s position as a key player in football broadcasting, highlighting its commitment to high-quality production and audience engagement. Similarly, Scott Taunton, talkSPORT’s EVP and President of Broadcasting, remarked on the station’s unique role in the Premier League audio landscape, where it provides more live games than any other national radio outlet.
This arrangement highlights the ongoing importance of live audio rights in the Premier League’s media strategy, despite the prevalence of video streaming and digital platforms. By partnering with both the BBC and talkSPORT, the Premier League ensures a broad and diverse reach, offering fans flexibility in how they follow matches, whether they are on the go or tuning in from home. It also reflects a stable commitment from both public and commercial broadcasters to remain relevant in a highly competitive media environment where audiences increasingly seek varied, real-time sports content.
