What Sky Sports' new £895m EFL deal means for supporters

The EFL has announced a new five-year broadcasting agreement with Sky Sports, but how will it impact supporters?

The record domestic rights deal, which runs from 2024/25 to 2028/29, will see more fixtures available to watch than ever before.

Clubs will take a slice of a guaranteed payment of £895million plus £40million in marketing benefits, although the new deal will see more fixtures moved outside of the traditional slots. The 3pm blackout will also remain in place.

Sky say they “will introduce a new commitment for clubs and fans which will provide longer notice periods on TV selections”.

Each season, a minimum of 328 Championship matches and 248 League One fixtures will be broadcast live. There will also be a minimum of 248 League Two games plus ALL play-off, Carabao Cup and EFL Trophy ties.

More specifically, there are set to be 10 matches aired each "weekend fixture round" including five from the second tier.

An official statement read: “All opening, final day, and midweek fixtures in the Sky Bet EFL will be shown live, as will all games played on Bank Holidays including Easter, Boxing Day and New Year's Day alongside the matches played in League One and League Two during international breaks.”

The new deal will effectively replace the existing service of red button coverage for Championship clubs and domestic streaming in League One and League Two (via iFollow or in-house services such as WanderersTV).

Sky are also aiming to “enhance production values” and will have at least four cameras at each game.

EFL chair Trevor Birch said: "The EFL is an iconic sports property and one of the biggest and best-attended Leagues in European football.

“This increased investment and coverage from Sky Sports will showcase much more of our compelling match action to fans, while delivering record rights values as we seek to make our clubs sustainable at all levels.

"For decades, Sky Sports has been a fantastic broadcast partner for both the EFL and English football, helping our sport grow through its sustained support, so we are delighted to announce this innovative agreement that combines the strength of an established brand with a modern streaming service for the benefit of EFL clubs, fans and Sky Sports alike."