What will the new EFL Streaming deal mean for fans?

The new deal between the EFL and Sky Sports will make a number of changes to how fans will watch football starting next season. There will be huge benefits for … Read More

The new deal between the EFL and Sky Sports will make a number of changes to how fans will watch football starting next season. There will be huge benefits for those fans that don’t attend games, and for those that have a subscription to Sky Sports or with Now. Contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership.

Under the new deal, the following will be available to view:

• 10 weekend games across the three divisions
• All opening and final day fixtures in the Sky Bet EFL
• All midweek league fixtures
• All bank holiday fixtures including Easter, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day
• All fixtures played in League One & Two during international breaks
• All Play-Off, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy fixtures (as above)

Non televised games Saturday games will continue to be played at 3pm, unless for other operational reasons.

The big question for fans attending match will be how much notice will provided for the selection of live TV games? The answer is:-

With the substantial increase in the number of live matches, Sky Sports and the EFL will introduce a new commitment for clubs and fans which will provide longer notice periods on TV selections.

The defined notice periods will enable clubs and fans to plan further in advance and this will include the placement of all live matches selected for broadcast for the period to FA Cup 3rd Round before the start of the season. Greater parity in the number of times that clubs are selected for TV coverage is also guaranteed.

Sky Sports and the EFL will make good on a landmark new commitment for clubs and fans which will provide longer notice periods on TV selections.

The notice periods for selections are as follows:
Within seven days of the 2024/25 Fixture Release selections shall be made in respect of all matches to be played before the end of September.

Before the start of the season, selections shall be made in respect of all matches scheduled to be played prior to the end of the third round of the FA Cup (January 2024).

By November 1, selections shall be made in respect of all matches to be played between the end of the third round proper of the FA Cup and the first weekend of March.

Selections for matches scheduled after the first weekend in March will be made on a four-week rolling basis starting from February 1 (e.g. a selection for the first weekend in April will be selected in the first weekend in March).

This is almost six month’s notice provided to fans and Clubs, a significant increase on the current deal, which sees five weeks’ notice given across the majority of the season.

Will matches still be available to watch via iFollow, or Clubs’ alternative streaming services?

From the 2024/25 season onward, this new deal with Sky Sports will effectively replace the EFL’s domestic video streaming option provided via iFollow and club streaming services. Audio services will remain alongside existing audio-visual arrangements for international audiences.

Will the product be better?

The EFL and Sky Sports have stated that they will continue to work together to innovate, seeking opportunities to improve coverage and take viewers closer to the action. The EFL will be investing significantly in production infrastructure to enhance the viewing experience.

Sky Sports will have a minimum of eight cameras for each game broadcast on existing channels. A minimum of four cameras will be used at Championship and League One matches, and a minimum of two cameras in League Two. For matches available to stream, Sky Sports commentary will also be provided