TV rights go to SKY


By Paul Holmes
July 5 2002

The Football League has agreed a 4-year £95million deal with BSkyB to broadcast Football League matches. Whilst the deal is not as large as the ITV Sport deal, supporters, players, managers and chairman alike will breath a sigh of relief at the news. Many clubs are in deep financial trouble following the ITV fiasco and the money will be very welcome.

It was believed that Channel 5 and BBC were the favourites to snap up the rights but SKY's bid was successful and The Football League returns to SKY after a 1-year abscence.

The deal will include.

  • 60 live Nationwide League matches per season, with 50 from Division One.
  • Play-off finals screened live, plus the possibility of showing six other play-off games live.
  • Two live games from each round of the the Worthington Cup plus the semi-finals and final.
  • Live coverage of the LDV Vans Trophy final.

    Games will mainly be shown at 5:35 on Saturday evenings but Friday night and Sunday night games will also be shown.

    Chief Executive of the Football League David Burns was clearly delighted. "This is great news for the Football League and its clubs.

    "This agreement will help to provide financial stability to clubs at a very important time, as well as top-class coverage of our games."

    Managing director of Sky Sports, Vic Wakeling was also pleased with the announcement. "Sky are delighted to be involved with The Football League and we hope that the clubs can now plan for the future."

    The Football League will continue with legal action against ITV Digital owners, Carlton and Granada at London High Court on July 26.

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