The EFL and Sky Sports have come to an agreement that will allow clubs in all three divisions to stream matches on their websites next season. Season-ticket holders will gain free access to the streams while non-holders will have to pay around £10 per fixture – which will include 3pm Saturday kick-offs.
Agreement Reached Between EFL and Sky Sports Over Streaming
Lack of Fans in Grounds
The new EFL season is set to start in early September with the first fixtures remaining behind closed doors. Based on the current government guidance, it is expected that a small percentage of each ground’s capacity will be allowed to enter the grounds to watch matches from October. However, this is subject to continuous change.
Even then, it is likely that it will only be home fans admitted to the grounds. There is no clear guidance currently on when away fans will be allowed to travel to matches and enter grounds. However, many fear that the entire season could be spent without away fans.
Clubs in the EFL hope that this streaming agreement with Sky will help to offset the loss of gate receipts while minimal fans are allowed inside stadiums.
Mail Online report that Sky earn £119 million per year for their exclusive rights to EFL matches and the Carabao Cup. However, they have taken note of the struggle that certain clubs are going through without usual income streams due to the ongoing pandemic.
The broadcaster will allow clubs to stream matches that were scheduled for live TV coverage without any compensation for as long as there is a 50% capacity limit at grounds. The agreement is expected to be reviewed on a regular basis.
The EFL’s own streaming service, iFollow, is expected to have the same function as before. It is not clear yet whether 3pm Saturday matches will be allowed to be shown on iFollow.
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