November 25 – The Premier League is taking its media operations business in-house, ousting long-term broadcast partners IMG.
A joint statement from the Premier League and IMG revealed the plans for a new venture set to launch in the 2026/27 season, marking the first time in 20 years that English football’s top flight will manage all international media content production and distribution in-house.
For the past two decades, this service has been delivered in partnership with IMG under the banner of Premier League Productions (PLP), which will continue to oversee coverage for the next two seasons.
The decision was unanimously approved by all 20 clubs at the recent Premier League shareholders’ meeting.
Premier League chief media officer Paul Molnar said: “IMG has been a fantastic partner for the Premier League over the past 20 years. They have worked tirelessly on our behalf to provide world-class content and services to our international partners. During this time, our partnership has been at the forefront of broadcast innovation to deliver top-class programming week in, week out throughout the season. This has all come together to play a vital role in growing our global audiences and popularity.
“As we move the media production operations in-house, we remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a best-in-class content service to our partners and millions of passionate fans around the world.”
Barney Francis, EVP, Studios, IMG said: “Our work with the Premier League has been game-changing, both for how fans enjoy football, and for the growth of the Premier League’s international audience and business. Working at the cutting edge of sports production for 20 years, we are proud to have launched many innovations together – from PLTV in 2010, which opened up the global TV rights market, to the transition from SD to HD, and then to 4K.
“We have built a state-of-the art virtual studio, produced award-winning digital content and introduced new cameras and feeds that have made the Premier League’s programming a gold standard for global sports broadcasting. With IMG’s wider production work for rightsholders such as the EFL, MLS and Apple, the Saudi Pro League, EuroLeague and ETP, we are continuing to power live sports broadcasting, leveraging new technologies and reaching wider audiences as our business continues to grow internationally.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1735246781labto1735246781ofdlr1735246781owedi1735246781sni@g1735246781niwe.1735246781yrrah1735246781