Sky welcomed today's announcement by the FA Premier League that it has decided to award the UK TV rights to live Premiership matches to Sky for three seasons from 2004.

The award of the rights (made in four separate packages of live matches) represents an increase in the number of live matches available to viewers and means that Sky will offer 138 live games per season from 2004, compared with 106 live games per season under the current arrangements between Sky and the Premier League. Continued take-up of digital television means that Sky's pay-TV channels are now received in more than 10 million UK households.

Speaking after the Premier League announced its decision, Tony Ball, BSkyB Chief Executive, said: "Sky is delighted to be continuing its relationship with the Premier League for a further three seasons. The new arrangements are good news for Premiership clubs and good news for viewers, who can look forward to many more matches on Sky than ever before."

The FA Premier League announced that the rights had been awarded at a price for the four packages in aggregate of £1,024 million.

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Source: Sky Corporate Web Site - http://www.sky.com/skycom/home