Premier League extends IMG production deal

The Premier League has extended its deal with IMG that will see the two organisations operate Premier League Productions (PLP) for the next three seasons (2019/20 – 2021/22).

PLP produces and distributes all of the Premier League’s international programming, including the broadcast of all 380 Premier League matches.

It also produces seven magazine shows each week, as well as the Premier League Content Service, which is run by some of the League’s broadcast partners as a full 24/7 channel.

The Service offers international broadcast partners studio-based output, including pre and post-match content, news shows, additional magazine programming, international phone-ins, and matches from the Premier League’s archive. The centrepiece is the Matchday Live programme, which provides wrap-around coverage of all matches with presenters, pundits and tactical analysis.

PLP produces more than 40 hours of live content and more than 40 hours of magazine shows each week.

The new agreement will also see 76 matches per season broadcast in 4K/Ultra High Definition, more than 500 match promos and 50 pieces of short-form content produced per week.

Next season will also feature the introduction of Video Assistances Referees (VAR) to the Premier League, with the operation based at IMG Studios at Stockley Park.

PLP also provides satellite distribution and onsite services for all matches and programming and connectivity to all 20 Premier League grounds and training facilities via IMG Studios.

Premier League director of Broadcasting Paul Molnar said: “We are now entering our 16th year in partnership with IMG for the management of Premier League Productions (PLP). The suite of programming and service provision delivered by PLP is best in class and we look forward to continuing our work with IMG to further improve this service to our international broadcast partners over the next three seasons.”

Premier League Productions managing director Nick Morgan said: “We are delighted to extend our relationship with the Premier League and to be playing our part in bringing live coverage of the most watched and popular football league in the world.”