EFL announces new radio rights deals

Thursday, May 25th 2017

The EFL has agreed two major deals for its national radio rights, signing three-year agreements with talkSPORT and the BBC to secure high-profile broadcast platforms for all EFL clubs for the 2017/18 season onwards.

talkSPORT have secured exclusive live commentary rights across the Sky Bet EFL and Sky Bet play-offs as well as non-exclusive rights to the Carabao Cup, which they will share with the BBC. Both outlets will have the ability to broadcast score flash updates across all three EFL Sky Bet divisions, the Carabao Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy.

The agreement represents a significant increase on the combined rights fee in comparison to the existing arrangements and includes additional non-exclusive elements, ensuring that both broadcasters will be able to promote the EFL, its clubs, competitions and partners.

Shaun Harvey, EFL Chief Executive, said: “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.”

The terms of the agreements include:

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 to 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 division
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