The BBC will retain the match of the day rights.
According to The Daily Mail, the iconic series will stay with the broadcaster for another four years from 2025.
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The BBC will retain rights to Match of the DayCredit: BBC
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Gary Lineker is expected to negotiate a deal with the broadcaster. Credit: Alamy
Channels such as Channel 4, Channel 5 and ITV have decided not to bid for Match of the Day rights because they feel it is not commercially viable.
All three broadcasters cited declining viewership and a tough advertising market as reasons why they did not make an offer.
ITV and Channel 4 have stepped up their football coverage in recent years by winning the rights to England matches.
However, neither of them will be able to show the Premier League in the near future.
ITV chiefs have been in tentative talks with England’s top leagues in recent weeks but have decided that hosting Match of the Day could disrupt their Saturday night entertainment schedule.
The commercial factor is also a concern as all Premier League goals are now available to watch online shortly after 5.15pm every Saturday.
Fewer games will also be held on Saturdays in the next broadcast cycle from 2025 to 2029, meaning broadcasters will likely have to pay for two top shows – something they are reluctant to do.
The first episode of Match of the Day was broadcast in 1964.
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Gary Lineker has hosted the popular Saturday night show since 1999.
The BBC’s retention of Match of the Day will trigger new contract talks with the former England striker.
There are no guarantees that he will remain in the series after a difficult year.
If he were to go through, bookies consider Jermaine Jenas the favorite for the new host at 2/1.
Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Mark Chapman are among the other top contenders if the hot spot becomes vacant.
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