ITV scores USD 138 million football deal

The British commercial TV network ITV has inked a USD 138 million TV football rights deal that allows it to continue broadcast the England national teams home matches and games from the FA Cup competition, www.digitaltveurope.net reports.

ITV already has those rights under a four-year deal, which it has now extended until 2014. UK reports suggest ITV paid 30 percent less per year than under the terms of the previous agreement, or about USD 70 million per year.

According to SportsProMedia.com, under the terms of the new agreement, ITV1 will continue to air the first pick of FA Cup games throughout the season, from the first round  to the final in May. In total, ITV will broadcast up to 16 live games per season from the famous football competition, in addition to comprehensive highlights from every round.