Dan Sabbagh, Media Editor of The Times, looks at today's deal between the European Commission and the FA Premier League governing the sale of television broadcast rights from the 2007 season.

How will the deal work?

The Premier League will divide up the fixtures into six packages of 23 games. The Commission insists that the packages will be balanced, which means that there will be an even distribution of games involving the top sides across all six packages. Each package will be opened up to auction, but no broadcaster will be able to buy all six. Other details are to be ironed out, so it's not clear yet, for example, at which time each set of games will be broadcast.

Who has won from this agreement?

This is a win for BSkyB, and is disappointing for ITV and NTL which had hoped for a 50/50 split between Sky and other channels. Sky had wanted minimal regulation and is well placed to keep most of the rights. Of the six packages on offer it can take five.

The creation of a sixth package could give a chance for the BBC, which is trying to sound more competitive under its new head of sport, Roger Mosey - but it may be difficult for the public broadcaster to work out which package to bid for.

We may also see joint bids: ITV and Sky share Champions League rights; an ITV-Sky deal would be well placed to do well, although Sky/ITV relations have been patchy in recent months.

Five could also be keen to join Sky, as will Setanta, the Irish broadcaster that holds Scottish Premier League rights. Given that Setanta have so many ex-Sky executives, they would be a natural partner.

Finally, venture capital groups have also been eyeing the rights, but it's a big bet for a financial bidder.

Is it good news for fans?

It depends who wins in the end. Although it probably won't happen, there could theoretically still be a 50-50 split between a cable channel and a satellite channel. That saves fans from subscribing to more than one service to get most games.

Will it raise more or less money for the Premier League?

Sky has paid a premium for exclusivity. But it is still likely to pay a lot to get five packages. Its competitors are in better state than they were five years ago, so the FAPL is likely to raise a similar sum again for clubs.

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