New TV Deal For League

By Aston
June 10 2005

The Football League have today announced a new three year TV deal with Sky Sports and ITV in a deal worth a reported £110million.

The current deals with Sky and ITV run out next summer next summer and is currently netting the 72 league clubs £25million between them a season, the new deal sees that figure rise by more than 40%.

 

The deal will see around 55 Championship games broadcast live by the satellite broadcaster with more from Leagues 1&2, all the play-off games, Carling Cup games and the LDV Vans trophy final while ITV will continue to do highlights, both ‘the championship’ and ITV Anglia will continue to show ‘Anglia soccer night’.

 

Football League Chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney said: “Crowds have increased yet again, as have viewing figures and we are also delivering on the promise we made to increase our clubs' commercial revenues.

 

“Sky Sports are a class act and this new agreement is recognition of the outstanding entertainment our clubs provide their viewers week in, week out, throughout the season.

 

“I'm also delighted ITV have agreed to extend our partnership for a further three seasons as this ensures supporters have the opportunity to see their clubs on free-to-air television.”

 

Sky Sports managing Director Vic Wakeling added: “The Football League continues to go from strength to strength and attendances are at their highest in 45 years - reflecting the huge interest in the game at all levels and emphasising the League's importance in the sporting fabric of this country.

 

“In Sky's comparatively brief history, we have covered every one of the 72 Football League clubs live, home or away, in cup or league. We look forward to continuing this in-depth coverage over the next four years.

 

“We think this deal is good for football and good for Sky Sports subscribers.”

 

Source: SkySports.com

 

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