The European Commission, which is currently in talks with broadcasters about the forthcoming rights auction, is believed to have agreed that Premier League rights will be divided into six packages. Each package will comprise 23 games with no bidder allowed to buy all the packages.
However, in theory this will enable Sky to buy five of the six packages or 83% of the games, especially as the broadcaster is likely to outbid its rivals. Such an outcome would leave little for Sky's rivals.
Sky is most likely to scoop five out of six packages, with the BBC, Five, ITV and cable group NTL, and Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports bidding for the remainder.
According to a report this month, ITV and NTL plan to join forces in attempt to wrest 50% of the Premier League rights from Sky. Satellite TV subscriptions sold on the basis of its Premier League rights are core to Sky's revenues and growing its subscription base.
Without the packages, customers would likely shop elsewhere and Sky's growth would stall.
It is believed NTL would offer games from as little as 拢10 a month.
The Premier League will auction the 2007-2010 rights next spring.
Sky has monopolised Premier League broadcasting since it first bought the rights in 1992. However, in December 2003 the EC told the league that in order to generate competition in the broadcast industry that it would open up rights to games to other broadcasters.
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