Robins Trust Update on the new Sky TV/EFL deal for 2024/25 onwards
There are still some details being finalised, but this is what we know about the arrangements for next season so far:
iFollow will no longer operate video streams for UK-based viewers. It will still be available internationally, and the radio feeds will continue - "Domestic streaming audio services will remain alongside existing audio-visual arrangements for international audiences via iFollow." A new Sky Sports plus platform (requiring a Sky or Now TV subscription) will be the home of Cheltenham Town’s televised games.
The new television deal with Sky will see:
10 EFL matches televised per weekend: 5 from Championship, 5 from League One and League Two combined.
Each of the 72 EFL clubs will be shown ‘approximately’ 20 times per-season.
This automatically includes:
- All opening day (10th/11th August) and final weekend fixtures (2 matches)
- All midweek fixtures (6 matches)
- International break fixtures (tbc)
- All bank holiday fixtures (Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday) (4 matches)
The remaining televised fixtures will come from the 36 weekend rounds.
The original schedule was released here: https://www.efl.com/news/2024/january/24/efl-schedule-confirmed-for-2024-25-season/
Time-slots
"The new deal allows for 'Article 48', the blocked broadcast period between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturday afternoons to remain, meaning that main broadcast fixtures will be scheduled for outside of this time."
Slots will be: Friday evening, Saturday lunchtime, Sunday afternoon. There will also be 'additional selected picks on a Thursday and Monday night'.
Platform
A new Sky Sports+ platform, new app, and will be available via Now TV.
TV pick notice periods for supporters:
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 (early 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. By selecting TV picks early and giving much more notice, fans will be able to plan with certainty when making travel and hotel arrangements.
Technical changes
At least two cameras at all League 2 matches, and dedicated commentators (TBC). "Sky Sports will have a minimum of eight cameras for each game broadcast on existing channels. For matches available to stream, Sky commentary will be provided and a minimum of four cameras will be used at Championship and League One matches, and a minimum of two cameras in League Two."
Increased Income
Income from the deal means the EFL clubs see their revenue increase from £119m to £180m. The weighting of that revenue will be the Championship receiving 70%, League One 18% and League Two 12%. The new deal is worth around £300,000 a year to clubs in League Two (although comparison isn't possible without figures for Cheltenham Town, Carlisle previously made around £164,000 p/a from iFollow - source: https://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/2024/may/club-the-biggest-change-in-efl-broadcasting-arrangements-in-many-years/).
For more information, the EFL has produced a 'Frequently Asked Questions' document: https://www.efl.com/how-to-watch/sky-sports-q-and-a/