BSkyB, which has built its British pay-TV business on the back of soccer rights, could face a costly challenge from Qatari group Al Jazeera when English Premier League rights are renewed this summer.

Better known for covering news in the Middle East, Al Jazeera has recently expanded aggressively in French soccer rights, prompting speculation it wanted to cross the Channel to muscle in on the Premier League.

The outcome of the looming contest will be deeply significant for the bidders and for the Premier League’s member clubs, who have reaped millions of pounds from the sale of rights to broadcast their top stars in action.

BSkyB has had the lion’s share of domestic Premier League rights since the competition was launched two decades ago, the two enjoying what one former Sky executive called “one of the great corporate romances of our time”.

BSkyB paid £1.6 billion for a three-year deal signed in 2010 which allows it to show 115 live matches in Britain each season. US sports broadcaster ESPN paid around £180 million to show 23 live games per year.

The Premier League also cashes in on the global appeal of clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, raising more than £1.3 billion for overseas rights over three years, far exceeding what other European leagues earn.

The 20-club Premier League was expected to issue tenders in the next week or two for rights from 2013. BSkyB will face a tricky choice on how to pitch its bid in a blind auction.

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