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Premier League to Remain World’s Richest Soccer League After Auction Lands Record TV Deal

England’s Premier League has been the world’s richest domestic soccer league for some time. That will remain the case after an auction to broadcast live games in the U.K. from 2013-16 netted the top flight a record £3.018 billion ($4.69 billion), according to the Telegraph.

Broadcasters Sky and BT submitted winning bids. Sky Sports will broadcast 116 games over the lifetime of the deal, while BT promises to offer fans a unique, interactive television experience in the 38 games it will air.

The record amount represents a a 70 per cent increase on the previous deal, clubs will see their annual income from domestic television grow by over £30 million ($46.5 million).

ESPN suffered a heavy defeat in the auction. The American sports giant used its live coverage to establish a beachhead in the U.K., but it will loses the rights to air games in the country after the 2012-13 season.

Domestic television income is distributed unevenly, based on each club’s finish in the previous season. The team that finishes at the bottom of the league can expect £35.8 million ($55.5 million) to soften the blow of relegation. The champion will earn more than £72 million ($112.6 million), which will undoubtedly help it stay at the top of the heap.

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