Sky has secured three of the six available packages for live television rights to the FA Premier League. The remaining three will now go to a second round with the confidential bids reportedly neck and neck. Sky will be hoping that it is able to secure a further two packages to bring its holding up to the maximum of five allowed by any one broadcaster under a ruling by the European Commission. The deal will give Sky access to 69 matches per season for three years from the 2007-8 season. It has not been confirmed which packages have been secured by Sky or their transmission times. Other bidders known to be in contention are Setanta Sports, Channel 4 and Channel 5. NTL-Telewest has also placed sizeable bids.
