Significant Broadcasting Shift: Over 1,000 EFL Matches Relocated from iFollow
In a major boost for EFL teams, Sky Sports has announced a groundbreaking TV deal that will see a record number of matches broadcasted over the next five years. Since 1996, Sky Sports has been showcasing EFL fixtures live on air, but this new deal will take their coverage to new heights. Starting from next season, a total of 1,059 EFL matches will be shown annually, with some available on a dedicated streaming destination accessible on both TV and mobile devices.
This deal not only represents a 50 percent increase in value compared to the current package but also guarantees viewers an abundance of thrilling football action. With a package worth £895 million, EFL clubs can expect significant financial benefits, including an additional £40 million in marketing benefits. The Championship, in particular, will be heavily featured, with 328 fixtures set to be shown throughout the season. League One and League Two will each have 248 matches broadcast live, ensuring fans from all divisions can enjoy their favorite teams in action.
Furthermore, mid-week fixtures in every division will be shown on Sky Sports, giving fans even more opportunities to catch their teams in action. Each league weekend fixture round will feature 10 live EFL matches, with five of them being Championship games. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans will not miss out on any crucial moments or memorable goals.
The breakdown of the matches to be shown on Sky Sports is as follows: 328 Sky Bet Championship matches, 248 Sky Bet League One matches, 248 Sky Bet League Two matches, all 15 Play-Off matches, all 93 Carabao Cup matches, and all 127 EFL Trophy matches. This means that every Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy clash will be broadcasted, providing fans with a comprehensive viewing experience.
However, this broadcasting shift does come with a downside. Domestic fans will no longer be able to watch their teams on the streaming platform iFollow, which gained popularity during the pandemic-affected season of 2020-21. While iFollow provided convenience and accessibility for fans, the new TV deal will offer a more extensive and immersive viewing experience.
In conclusion, the new TV deal between Sky Sports and the EFL marks a significant broadcasting shift that will benefit both clubs and fans alike. With a record number of matches set to be shown, viewers can look forward to an abundance of football action in the coming years. While the removal of iFollow may disappoint some fans, the comprehensive coverage offered by Sky Sports will undoubtedly make up for it. So get ready to cheer on your favorite EFL teams as they take the field in thrilling matches broadcasted live on Sky Sports.