The English Football League has signed a new 5-year, £595 million, deal with Sky Sports for its domestic football rights, but despite a 35% uplift in fees still faces a backlash from clubs.
The EFL represents all but the top-tier of English league football with Sky retaining rights to the Sky Bet EFL, Carabao Cup, Checkatrade Trophy and Sky Bet Play-Offs through until May 2024.
There has been talk of a breakaway Premier League 2 that would potentially take clubs from the Championship away from the EFL – such speculation comes at a time when reports of a European super league have also resurfaced.
From 2019/20 Sky will broadcast 138 Sky Bet EFL League matches; the 15 Sky Bet EFL Play-Off matches including all three Finals; 15 matches from the Carabao Cup including the Final; the Semi-Final and Final of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Sky will also be able to screen midweek kickoffs on the Red Button.
EFL Interim Chair Debbie Jevans CBE commented: “Having fully considered the matter, its implications and any associated risks, the EFL Board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its Clubs has been reached.
“Concluding these negotiations has indeed been challenging, as is the case when managing a diverse group of stakeholders, and the Board took on board the comments and frustrations voiced by a number of Clubs and has committed to reviewing the way the League engages with its Clubs to ensure that we move forward in a collaborative way in the future. The Board looks forward to continuing the excellent relationship and partnership it has with Sky Sports.”
The deal cements Sky’s football coverage that also includes rights to 128 Premier League games a season.
Separately, Sky Sports will be the only place to see live Ladbrokes Premiership action from 2020, after agreeing a new five year partnership with the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).