Major broadcasting change to FA Cup with BBC or ITV set to lose coverage as fans rage about deal with new channel
FOOTBALL fans are going to be able to watch more FA Cup games than ever.
But it won’t be entirely free with the FA agreeing a new four-year deal with paid broadcaster TNT Sports.
The new deal will begin from the 2025/26 season and will see every game from the third round onwards, outside of the 3pm kick offs, televised.
TNT Sports, who currently show Champions League and Premier League coverage, charge a subscription fee to watch their coverage.
But the FA have confirmed in a statement that the FA Cup will still be shown on free-to-air channels alongside TNT Sports.
However it is not known what channel that will be with the statement adding that it will be “confirmed in due course”.
ITV and BBC currently share the rights to show the historic competition.
Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive, said: “This new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, as well as free-to-air, from the first round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium.
“TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world,
“So we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming year.”
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The deal will also see TNT televise the Community Shield, and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.
Some fans have been left fuming by the news with frustration over having to pay to watch the 153-year-old competition.
One wrote on social media: “Grim. FA Cup behind a paywall. Totally grim.”
While another added: “This is wrong. The world’s oldest and most prestigious national cup competition should always be free-to-air.”
A third wrote: “Taking the FA Cup off terrestrial TV is absolutely sickening.”