Sky Sports and ITV have agreed to broadcast select Carabao Cup and EFL Championship fixtures free-to-air starting January 2025. This deal will run until the end of the 2026/27 season. ITV will air a selection of games also available on Sky Sports, beginning with the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Each full season, ITV will broadcast at least nine Carabao Cup matches, including one tie from each of the first four rounds, one additional tie from the third or fourth round, two quarter-final ties, one semi-final tie, and the final.
In addition, ITV will simulcast 10 EFL Championship matches per season, plus five matches in the second half of the 2024/25 season, with flexibility to include games from League One or League Two. This partnership kicks off with the 2024/25 season, where Sky Sports will broadcast over 1,000 EFL matches annually, featuring all 72 teams more than 20 times each season.
Sky Sports+ will deliver these games through multiple live streams, a new dedicated channel, and an updated mobile app, all at no extra cost for subscribers. This partnership aims to provide EFL clubs with unprecedented exposure, while ITV’s involvement ensures broader audience reach.
ITV will also extend its EFL highlights deal, airing 55 highlights programs per season across ITV1 and ITV4, with streaming and on-demand options available on ITVX.
Jonathan Licht, Managing Director of Sky Sports: “This upcoming season with over 1,000 EFL matches on Sky Sports+ shows our ambition and dedication to the EFL and its fans. Working with ITV to simulcast select matches from 2025 means millions of UK football fans will enjoy extensive action, boosting club exposure.”
Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport: “This deal brings free-to-air coverage of top-level knockout football and standout EFL matches, adding regular live games to our highlights shows. We look forward to delivering superb action and insight from this expanded EFL package.”
Trevor Birch, EFL Chief Executive Officer: “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with ITV and Sky Sports to showcase the best of the EFL to a wider audience. This additional offering enhances our accessibility and reputation. We thank both organizations for their support and commitment to EFL competitions.”
Sky Sports remains the premier destination for UK sports fans, with record audiences and extensive rights secured until the decade’s end. Non-Sky subscribers can access Sky Sports channels through NOW Sports Day or Month Membership, including live streams and on-demand content from August.
ITV’s sports portfolio includes UEFA EURO 2024, Horse Racing, Six Nations rugby, England football matches, the FA Cup, La Liga, the Tour de France, NFL, rugby competitions, motorsport, and more.
Credit: Sky Sports
