The Premier League on Tuesday evening awarded broadcast rights of live matches for three seasons from the 2016/17 season to Sky Sports and BT Sport.

The sales process for live broadcasting of matches in the UK saw Sky Sports retain its access to a chunk of live matches, obtaining five of the seven packages on offer while BT got Packages B and F.

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In total, the seven packages – which covers a total of 168 matches with Sky having rights to 126 matches – were sold for £5.13b.

According to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore, “Both Sky Sports and BT Sport have done a tremendous job in bringing the game to the fans as well as providing the revenue that allows clubs to invest in football, facilities, youth development and their communities.”

Scudamore added “Last season saw record levels of attendance with the highest top-flight crowds since 1949/50, as well as increased viewing figures across all our UK rights holders.”

Sky Sports and BT Sport beat off competition from “other highly credible parties” to win the broadcast rights.