Sky Sports has renewed its exclusive rights to the EFL until 2024 in a deal which guarantees customers more matches than ever before.
The new agreement will see Sky show up to 183 matches exclusively live each year in the Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One, Sky Bet League Two, Carabao Cup and Checkatrade Trophy – a 26% increase in the number of games on its current deal.
In addition and for the first time Sky Sports will be able to broadcast 80 Sky Bet Championship midweek matches across interactive and digital platforms, taking the total number of potential matches available to Sky Sports customers and EFL fans to over 260, from the current 145 games.
The additional midweek games will also be available across the EFL iFollow streaming service.
The agreement includes:
• More matches, up to 183 exclusive live games per season
• Further 80 midweek Sky Bet Championship games across interactive and digital platforms
• 15 live matches from the Carabao Cup, including both semi-finals and the Wembley final
• Rights to offer live coverage across a range of Sky platforms, including online and on mobile
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.
“Viewing of live EFL games grew by 12% year-on-year last season, and is up a further 7% so far this season. Fans value our live EFL coverage and we are delighted to be able to offer even more in the coming years.”
EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey said: “Sky Sports has for many years been a hugely important and valued partner of the EFL and we are delighted to extend our relationship by a further five years.
“I would like to thank all those who submitted bids and we now look forward to working with the Sky Sports team as they cement their position as the broadcast home of live EFL matches.”
It’s thought that Sky faced stiff competition for the rights from rivals BT.