LONDON - THE English Premier League has awarded the rights to 46 of its live games next season to US-based broadcaster ESPN, after they were forfeited by troubled Irish channel Setanta, it said.

The Disney-owned broadcaster has been awarded the live games for next season, and also 23 matches per season previously held by Setanta for the following three seasons, until 2013, it said.

'The Premier League is extremely pleased to have added ESPN as a UK rights holder,' said Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

'They have a formidable worldwide reputation and experience in sports and I am sure we will enjoy a long and fruitful relationship with them.'

The English Premier League invited bids for the games after Setanta failed last Friday to make a scheduled payment of 30 million pounds (S$70 million), thereby losing its rights to broadcast 46 EPL games.

Mr Scudamore welcomed the fact that an alternative broadcast partner was found quickly. '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,' he said.

'Fans and clubs will have certainty over the broadcasting of Barclays Premier League matches for the next four seasons.'

ESPN International head Russell Wolff 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.' As well as ESPN, Sky television had been expected to bid for some of the EPL games forfeited by Setanta.

Under an agreement with the European Commission, the English Premier League cannot sell all its live matches to a single broadcaster. -- AFP