Football on TV: The Complete Guide to UK Broadcasting in 2025/26
Introduction: Why Football on TV Matters More Than Ever
Football on television has become an integral part of British culture, with millions tuning in each week to watch their favourite teams compete. The Premier League’s latest broadcasting agreements will deliver £6.7 billion in revenue across a four-year period, reflecting the sport’s unparalleled popularity. For fans across the United Kingdom, knowing where and when to watch matches has never been more important, with all matches taking place outside of the Saturday 3pm ‘closed period’ now broadcast live for the first time.
Record-Breaking Broadcasting Deals Transform Football Coverage
The Premier League has concluded deals with Sky Sports and TNT Sports for five UK live packages and with BBC Sport for the free-to-air highlights package, representing the largest sports media rights deals ever concluded in the UK. Sky Sports has been awarded live rights covering a minimum of 215 live matches per season, including more than 140 matches played at weekends, whilst TNT Sports has been awarded package A, covering 52 live matches per season, including exclusive coverage of matches played on Saturdays at 12.30pm.
Beyond the Premier League, the EFL is broadcast on Sky Sports and ITV with live games from the Championship, League One, League Two and Carabao Cup. Live league football returned to ITV for the first time since 2002 in January 2025, with the broadcaster showing Championship matches during the second half of the season.
Where to Watch: Broadcasting Platforms and Options
Fans have access to schedules of live football on television from broadcasters including Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Premier Sports, BBC, ITV and more. Amazon hold the rights to 20 live Premier League games split across two match days, providing additional viewing options for subscribers. For those seeking highlights, BBC Sport has been awarded highlights rights for all 380 Premier League matches each season, with BBC Match of the Day continuing to bring action to millions of viewers each week.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Football Broadcasting
The broadcasting landscape demonstrates football’s enduring appeal and commercial power. International rights for the new cycle have risen by 23% to £2.17 billion, with international rights now exceeding domestic rights by 30%. This global growth ensures financial stability for clubs across the pyramid, with broadcast renewals providing financial certainty for clubs throughout professional football until at least 2029.
For supporters, the expansion of live coverage means unprecedented access to matches. Whether following the Premier League giants or supporting lower-league clubs, football on television remains more accessible and comprehensive than ever before, cementing its position at the heart of British sporting culture.