Marathon MUTV talks still going

The Premier League club has narrowed the race to two agency offers, from incumbents IMG and a joint-offer by Kentaro and Pitch International. Bidding was understood to have reached the $24 million mark some weeks ago, more than twice the $10 million that IMG pays in the existing three-year contract.

Despite the high offers, Manchester United is also said to be considering doing some or all of its international distribution itself. MUTV includes delayed coverage of all the club’s matches, including its appearances in the Uefa Champions League. As such, the rights for the channel hold some strategic value, particularly for those international broadcasters that have missed out on acquiring live Premier League or Champions League rights this time round.

For more information, see the latest issue of TV Sports Markets.