Sky confirm bumper EFL TV deal

The deal represents an increase of 35% over the previous terms, but it has not been without its critics. Under the new terms, Sky will show 138 Sky Bet EFL League matches, the 15 Sky Bet EFL Play-Off matches including all three finals, 15 matches from the Carabao Cup including the final and the semi-final and final of the Checkatrade Trophy.

However, clubs in the Championship, particularly those at the top end, had pushed for a different deal, arguing that under these terms the league games were undervalued and they were not given a fair share of the income. Clubs including Leeds, Aston Villa and Derby have claimed they are not recieving fair compensation for matches which appear on television. Championship clubs are due to meet tomorrow to discuss the new deal, with the 'BBC' reporting that as many as 21 of the 24 clubs wanted more time to think things over before the EFL signed the deal. 

“Having fully considered the matter, its implications and any associated risks, the EFL Board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its Clubs has been reached," said EFL interim Chair Debbie Jevans. 

“Concluding these negotiations has indeed been challenging, as is the case when managing a diverse group of stakeholders, and the Board took on board the comments and frustrations voiced by a number of Clubs and has committed to reviewing the way the League engages with its Clubs to ensure that we move forward in a collaborative way in the future. 

"The Board looks forward to continuing the excellent relationship and partnership it has with Sky Sports.”

It is an unprecedent amount of money to pay for the rights to a second division league, but it is still dwarfed by the money paid to Premier League clubs. Sky and BT paid £4.55bn for the most recent package of Premier League rights. 

 

19 November 2018