League delights in new £300m Sky deal

The new five-year partnership will see 148 live matches each season from the three divisions plus the Capital One Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy from 2015-16 – an increase of 37 live games per season.

Football League clubs have been told the new deal represents a 36 per cent increase on the previous deal, with the broadcasting and title sponsorship for the Sky Bet Football League worth more than £300m.

In announcing the new agreement Football League chairman Greg Clarke said: “We place huge value on the commitment Sky has made to our competitions and our clubs over many seasons and we are delighted that they wish to extend our relationship in this way. Supporters will also welcome this news given the outstanding breadth of coverage delivered by Sky Sports.

“The Football League is focused on delivering financial sustainability to our member clubs and this agreement will help us achieve that aim. Already we are delivering careful management of costs through our Financial Fair Play regulations and now we can add increased revenues to our clubs.

“They will be delighted by this news and the financial certainty it brings for the next five years.”

The new deal will see:

112 matches from across the Sky Bet Football League.

The Football League play-offs including all three finals.

15 matches from the Capital One Cup including both legs of each semi-final and the final.

The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy Final and at least two matches from the preceding rounds.

Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports said: “We are proud of our partnership with The Football League and can look forward to even more drama and excitement from its competitions for another five seasons.”