The Wallets Just Keep Getting Fatter

In the spirit of the season, the EPL head honchos have publicy revealed what has been known for some time now: England's top league is a cash cow. The going rate for foreign broadcasting rights is steadely going up with every new contract. The current take is just over $1.1B and counting, and as report by The Guardian's Paul Kelso, "an increase of 50% on the last three-year deal."

Just in case Watford and Charlton don't understand the precariousness of their position, the estimates are that the overseas rights for the 2007-10 seasons will be in the $5.9B range. Makes you wonder how our EPL games here in the U.S. will be affected. [The Guardian]

In other eye-numbing news:

• Again, The Gaffer is on top of it. [EPL Talk]
• I'm all for the advertising, but I'm not sure if Bimbo will fly in this country. [Los Angeles Daily News]
• Done right, this could be a great movie. [Vitalfootball]

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BL has the Boxing Day rundown below. Here are the games I'll be keeping an eye on through Monday.

Today
Chelsea v. Reading
7:55am ET, LIVE
Setanta Sports USA
How long can Chelsea keep scoring wonder goals and/or winners in added time?

Blackburn v. Liverpool
9:55am ET, LIVE
Setanta Sports USA
I picked Blackburn to finish in the in the top six this season, maybe I should lay off the OxyContin.

Manchester United v. Wigan Athletic
9:55am ET, LIVE
Setanta Xtra (DirecTV Channel 670)
Wigan will feel hard done by after losing to Chelsea, can they muster enough to get a result against Fergie's boys?

Watford v. Arsenal
12:30pm ET, LIVE
FOX Soccer Channel
If they put six past Friedal, how many will they score against next year's Championship contenders?

Hearts v. Hibernian
2:30pm ET, Same Day Delay
Setanta Sports USA
The first Edinburgh derby was played on Christmas day in 1875, and today, both look to make some gains on Rangers for the last Champions League spot.

Wednesday
Feyenoord v. PSV
3:30am ET, Same Day Delay
Setanta Sports USA
I know that BL will be up late to watch two of Holland's big three face off. The Rotterdamers trails the Eindhoven league leaders by 14 points, ouch.

Saturday
Manchester United v. Reading
9:45amET, LIVE
Setanta Sports USA
Reading are on a terrible slide right now, I doubt they'll get it turned around today.

Tottenham v. Liverpool
9:55am ET, LIVE
Setanta Xtra (DirecTV Channel 670)
This could be a good one, the Merseysiders ran over Spurs 3-0 back on September 23rd.

Chelsea v. Fulham
10am ET, LIVE
FOX Soccer Channel
Fulham did the business against Arsenal last month and has played Chelsea tough in the past, winning at home and losing 3-2 at Stamford Bridge last season.

Monday
Newcastle United v. Manchester United
12pm ET, LIVE
FOX Soccer Channel
Containing Kieron Dyer and that little dude from Nigeria should guarantee three points for the league leaders. Then again, I thought Man U would throttle West Ham.

As always, check your local listings for dates and times in your area.

-ac