The Football League confirmed yesterday that a new three year deal with Talksport and the BBC had been signed to increase radio broadcast coverage from next season.
As part of the deal which begins in the season of 2017/18, Talksport have gained exclusive commentary rights across the EFL and the Play Offs as well as a non exclusive deal to the League Cup competition – the League Cup will be shared with the BBC.
Both broadcasters have score flash update rights for all three Football League divisions, the League Cup and the EFL Trophy and as many would obviously expect, this new deal ‘represents a significant increase’ on the combined rights fee when compared to previous deals.
Speaking to the EFL.com, EFL Chief Executive Shaun Harvey explained.
‘I am delighted that we have been able to secure a national platform for all EFL clubs with the two main sports broadcasters in the UK. Talksport and the BBC have both been long-time partners of the EFL and I look forward to working with them to maximise the potential coverage for all our clubs and competitions. The increase we have achieved for our clubs represents tangible progress in a difficult market place and I truly believe this is a deal that not only benefits the EFL and our clubs, but also provides the best possible solution for supporters, partners and broadcasters alike.’
Terms of the deal for those interested are:
Talksport:
Non-exclusive rights to score flash updates across all three EFL Sky Bet divisions, the Carabao Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.
Exclusive live commentary rights to up 110 EFL fixtures.
Up to a maximum of 92 Championship fixtures.
Exclusive live commentary rights for all matches included within the EFL Play-Offs across all three divisions.
Non-exclusive right to transmit live match commentary of Carabao Cup matches throughout the competition, including the final.
Exclusive rights to transmit live match commentary from Checkatrade Trophy matches.
BBC:
Non-exclusive rights to score flash updates across all three EFL Sky Bet divisions, the Carabao Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.
Non-exclusive right to transmit live match commentary of Carabao Cup matches throughout the competition, including the final.
The EFL`s existing agreements with BBC and talkSPORT are due to expire following the completion of this season`s Sky Bet Play-Offs.