MUMBAI: Following on from the successful sale of media rights in the home market, Barclays Premier League has commenced the sale process for Americas which is expected to witness fierce bidding particularly in the lucrative United States market.

The Premier League?s Invitation to Tender (ITT) spanning seasons 2013/14 - 2015/16 has been divided into five broadcast territories: USA, Canada, South & Central America, The Caribbean, and Brazil.

The Premier League had secured a record breaking television deal worth ?3.018 billion with pay TV broadcaster Sky Sports and British Telecom for the UK market.

Executives at leading Premier League clubs are expecting a similar windfall from Americas (read US) where the game considered a foreign import is gaining popularity even as local leagues are thriving.

According to Bloomberg, the US will see bidding war as incumbent rights holder Fox Entertainment Group will have to overcome competition from Walt Disney?s ESPN and newly launched Al Jazeera?s beIN Sport, who are expected to bid aggressively for the rights. NBC Sports is also expected to throw in its hat into the ring.