The two groups thrashed out arguments yesterday in Brussels for the 2007-2010 rights, with the Premier League reportedly agreeing to stick by its December 2003 agreement to share the next round of TV rights.
It is believed, however, that the proposed 50% cap on the number of live matches shown by a single broadcaster is to be increased to 80% because the 138 games will be separated into five batches -- with no one broadcaster able to own more than four.
EC commissioner Nellie Kroes, who has previously attacked the Premier League for "backtracking" on the December 2003 agreement, called the talks "constructive" and said they represent a significant move closer to "an amicable result".
Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore called the discussions "fruitful". A decision is expected on Friday October 21.
Sky is most likely to scoop four out of the five packages with the BBC, Five, ITV and cable group NTL and Irish broadcaster Setanta Sports bidding for the remaining bundle.
According to reports last week, ITV and NTL plan to join forces in attempt to wrest 50% of the Premier League rights from Sky.
The UK's largest commercial broadcaster and cable operator offered 拢170m a year for half the games from 2007-2010, according to a letter leaked to The Guardian.
It is believed NTL would offer games from as little as 拢10 a month.
However, the move depends on whether the European Commission rules against Sky.
The EC has always been in favour of sharing the rights among different broadcasters whereas the Premier League is keen to make as much money as possible from the deal, even if that entails selling the exclusive rights package to Sky again.
The Premier League will auction the 2007-2010 rights next spring.
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