LONDON — ESPN has acquired the rights to televise Premier League soccer in Ireland.

The broadcaster, owned by The Walt Disney Co., will show the 46 matches next season that were previously held by Setanta Sports.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said Wednesday: "They have a formidable worldwide reputation and we have great confidence in their ability to provide football fans with first rate coverage and programming."

Further Irish rights for next season are up for grabs in the coming weeks. The auction process to show matches from 2010 to 2013 will take place later this year.

Setanta has continued to broadcast other sporting events in Ireland since its British channels closed last month after filing for bankruptcy protection.