Like it or in my case hate it the English Premier League (EPL) rights are the “my precious” of the broadcasting world.

Yesterday the rights went to tender for seasons 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16.

Now I’m by no means a football fan but even this Mongoose can see this is the crown jewels.

So who is in the running and once you possess the jewels is it a blessing or a curse?

Step into my office

The Obvious Contenders

Sky and ESPN currently hold the rights. In likelihood this won't change much.

Competition rules dictate that one broadcaster is allowed no more than 116 matches. So it's going to be interesting to see how these two powerhouses bid given the way the broadcasting landscape has changed.

Here come the new contenders

In the traditional broadcasting sense the Al Jazeera network is growing in size could be very interested in bidding for one or more rights packages.

But there is also competition from merging connected TV platforms. The rights this time include near live VOD package as well as a clips package which will attract attention from some big names in the online world. Particularly Apple and Google.

My Precious

With an acquisition the size of the EPL some company’s have expected the world and been handed administration. ITV digital are a key case here. They bought rights they couldn't afford and as a result the first DTT service bit the dust.

The same happened to Irish broadcaster Setanta

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"

With that in mind I wonder how much the cheaper Sky Sport's deal helped BT.

Let the tendering commence. I get the feeling we will hear more on this one at a later time.

Sky Gears up for NOW

Sky have purchased Acetrax this week. A company that specialise in VOD.

They are in preparation for their NOW TV on demand service that is to be able to offer it's movie and sports to anyone with a broadband connection.

Sky have become a lot more IPTV aware these days. Allowing it's customers to download anytime programs now via a LAN connection. Better still that's now open to any connection. But already the “sky store” has opened and sky's motive is once again clear. Much like NOW content instantly comes at a price. That's before you check your broadband download allowance. Oh and if your using Sky or any other VOD platform over the internet. Do, Do dear readers check your broadband usage allowance. To my knowledge only BT don't include their TV downloads in the limit.