FA Announce New Deal with BT Sport and the BBC for Cup Coverage

The FA have announced that they have extended the TV rights with BT Sport and the BBC until the FA Cup final in 2021. The main points being:-

– BBC and BT Sport to show live games until 2021
– Up to 30 matches and one more game per round will be live on BT Sport from 2018
– BBC offer TV, radio and digital platforms for interactive coverage

Disappointingly for football fans who attend matches that there will be more games shifted to meet the wants of the broadcaster. Exeter had three of their four games moved this season from their traditional slots to allow for TV coverage.

The FA have not made any comment on whether there will be any increase in broadcast fees paid to Clubs. The FA report that viewing figures from the past season have increased. FA CEO Martin Glenn said:-

The FA Cup has enjoyed record viewing figures, with 7m alone watching Tottenham’s third round tie against Leicester City, outstripping all viewing figures for club matches in England this season, both domestically and in Europe,

It is a competition loved not only in this country but throughout the world, as demand for broadcast rights globally highlight.

The competition is all about the success of the underdog and this season has seen some more fantastic stories.

The money clubs win can make a hugely positive impact both on and off the pitch and we’re very proud to have distributed £25m to clubs via the prize fund and broadcast fees this season.