Broadcast rights Broadcasting EFL Sky Television

Sky to stream midweek EFL games as part of new five-year £600m TV deal

September 12, 2017

Sky will be able to stream midweek matches after agreeing a new £600m five-year television rights deal with the English Football League (EFL).

All 72 EFL clubs will be able to stream midweek fixtures on their respective websites – if Sky opt not to broadcast them live. Sky will also have the right to stream the same Championship fixtures to subscribers across their interactive and digital services.

However, matches played between 14:45 BST and 17:15 BST on Saturdays will still not be available to live stream.

EFL chief executive Shaun Harvey said: “These negotiations came at what was an incredibly challenging period in the sale and acquisition of sports rights in the UK.

“Having fully tested the market, we believe that not only has a significant increase in value for our clubs been achieved, but also the very best deal, with the best partner has been delivered.

“The new opportunity for EFL Clubs to live-stream their matches through a direct to consumer service in the UK is a revolutionary and exciting step forward for football broadcasting rights in the UK and we will monitor its progress closely to determine how this model can be considered for future EFL rights cycles.”

Barney Francis, Sky Sports Managing Director, commented: “This is great news for EFL fans and our viewers, with more live games than ever before and more opportunities for fans to watch their teams live.

“With a new dedicated football channel, newly enhanced digital platforms, adding more games means Sky Sports is getting even better for football fans.”

The deal is set to run from 2019-2024 and Sky will also continue to broadcast the Carabao Cup, Checkatrade Trophy and play-offs until May 2024.

Broadcast rights Broadcasting EFL Sky Television