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FA Cup returns to free to air from 2021

The FA Cup is to return to free-to-air television from 2021 after ITV joined the BBC in landing the...


FA Cup returns to free to air...

Sport

FA Cup returns to free to air from 2021


The FA Cup is to return to free-to-air television from 2021 after ITV joined the BBC in landing the rights to show the competition.

ITV are set to take the package currently held by BT Sport and will broadcast more than 20 matches a season with the deal also including live coverage of the Community Shield through to 2025.

BBC will show up to 18 FA Cup games a season plus highlights and online clips while they'll also have first choice of the semi-finals.

ITV say they'll have the first and fourth pick of matches in the second round, fourth round and the quarter finals. They'll also get second and third picks for the first, third and fifth rounds and then second pick of the semi-final.

ITV's Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, says it's a boost to their channels to regain the rights.

“We are delighted to be able to broadcast the FA Cup once again.

"We are particularly pleased that we shared The FA’s vision of a completely free-to-air competition and look forward to bringing new viewers all the along the road to Wembley Stadium.”

FA Chief Commercial Football Development Officer Mark Bullingham expects the deal to draw more eyes to the competition.

“The Emirates FA Cup continues to capture the public’s imagination, drawing millions of viewers at every stage.

"This agreement with ITV is fantastic news and means that we will reach the broadest possible audience across the country.

“ITV has been a great broadcast partner with the England Men’s Internationals and will do a brilliant job with the coverage of the world’s most historic cup competition.”

 



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BBC Fa Cup ITV

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