ITV PLC (LON:ITV) is to broadcast three La Liga matches live on ITV4 at the start of the new season, including Friday’s curtain-raiser between Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao.
Barcelona’s first home game against Real Betis next Sunday (25 August) will also be shown, as will Real Madrid’s trip to Villarreal the following weekend (1 September).
ITV showed matches from Spain’s top-flight towards the end of last season, after the previous rights holder, Eleven Sports, cut short its agreement.
According to reports, ITV and La Liga are in negotiations over a potential deal that would see the broadcaster continue to show matches throughout the rest of the season.
ITV shares were up 2% to 105.7p on Friday.