The 2024/25 season has officially kicked off and we couldn’t be happier. But before we’d even had a chance to get stuck in, the topic on everyone’s lips has been Sky Sports’ new five-year EFL deal, that was announced earlier this year.
For many avid football fans across the country its left them wondering, what exactly does this mean and how will this affect us? Well wonder no more, as we’re breaking down everything you need to know in one handy place, along with our predictions on the impact we expect to see over the next season and beyond.
EFL clubs have approved a new deal with Sky Sports running from season 2024/25 to 2028/29. With over 1,000 matches to be broadcast across the three leagues each season – a record number of games for any club football agreement. With the new deal representing a value increase of more than 60%.
The new deal has effectively replaced iFollow, where matches were previously available when not kicking off at 3pm on Saturday. This means that every club will appear at least 20 times on Sky Sports and their new streaming service (Sky Sports+) – with League Two clubs seeing a minimum of three matches. However, due to the 3pm blackout, to achieve this goal kick-off times will have to move around, which fans of lower league teams will become all too familiar with.
Naturally the deal will make football across all three leagues more accessible to watch from the comfort of your own home, as Sky Sports+ replaces domestic streaming. However, we can’t deny the impact this will undoubtedly have on attendances this season.
The argument is that the deal will see significantly enhanced exposure for all EFL clubs with an uplift in coverage across all divisions. However, we expect it won’t come as a surprise to see the attendance of fans coming to support and stand by their teams likely plumet this season. And as a result, in the long-term see a subsequent reduction in season ticket sales for the next season onwards.