United Kingdom: Sky renews as broadcaster of EFL competitions for the 2024-2029 cycle (£935m)

The pay-TV operator Sky has renewed its broadcasting rights for the EFL competitions (Sky Bet Championship, Sky Bet League One, Sky Bet League Two, Carabao Cup and Papa Johns Trophy) in the UK over the 2024-2029 cycle (five seasons), announced the English Football League on 05/05/2023.

The total value of the agreement is £935m (€1.07bn) including "£40m (€45.8m) in additional marketing benefits," said the body. "The new deal represents a 50% increase on the current rights value (£595m over the 2019-2024 cycle) and will see significantly enhanced exposure for all EFL clubs with an uplift in coverage across all divisions to boost the profile of EFL competitions, clubs, and community initiatives," added the English Football League.

The EFL had announced it was entering "an exclusive month long negotiating period" with Sky for the renewal of these rights on 03/04/2023. The OTT sports platform DAZN had also reportedly made an offer to acquire the rights, according to several British media on 29/03/2023.

• The TV blackout rule, which prohibits the broadcasting of live matches on Saturdays…