ESPN, the Walt Disney-owned sports broadcaster, has snapped up two packages of Premier League rights containing a total of 46 matches, which were formerly held by Setanta.

The rights, sold for an undisclosed sum, are for next season as well as a package of 23 matches per season from 2010/11 to 2012/13, which came up for grabs after cash-strapped Setanta Sports was stripped of the rights after failing to meet payments to the Premier League.

Premier League chief executive, Richard Scudamore, said: “The timescale of our process was tight to say the least, and it is to the great credit of ESPN that they committed themselves to adding Barclays Premier League football to their already impressive portfolio of sports rights.

He said: “The speed at which we have been able to conclude this deal means that the preparations for next season will be able to continue without interruption and fans and clubs will have certainty over the broadcasting of Barclays Premier League matches for the next four seasons.”

ESPN said that it plans to distribute the rights across a variety of pay-TV platforms and has already struck a deal with BSkyB. Customers will pay extra to view the games.

Russell Wolff, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, ESPN International, said: “Premier League football is one of the world’s most sought after sports properties. We are very excited to be working with the Premier League and expanding our businesses in the UK.

“This move demonstrates our commitment to British sports fans and our ongoing commitment to delivering football to fans around the world across a variety of media.”

Channel 4 and BSkyB were among the other bidders. ITV, under pressure from falling advertising, believes it has "a lot of football already" because it shows the Champions League, FA Cup and England matches.

The announcement came as the Scottish Premier League said it had followed its counterpart, and relieved Setanta of its rights to show matches for the next five years, because it had failed to make a £3 million payment due.

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