The Football Association has officially announced a new collaborative agreement with TNT Sports in conjunction with the BBC. This development means that individuals in the UK will have the opportunity to view 14 live FA Cup matches on free-to-air television annually for the subsequent four years. The decision comes as a source of relief for many who expressed concerns upon learning of TNT Sports’ acquisition of the competition rights commencing from the 2025/26 season.
Previous apprehensions regarding the potential relegation of the FA Cup to a paywall have been assuaged, as both the Football Association and TNT had preconceived plans to “sub-let” a segment of the rights, thereby ensuring continual access to terrestrial television. The BBC has successfully secured these rights, enabling them to broadcast 14 matches each season, consisting of two live games from each round through to the quarter-finals, one semi-final, and ultimately, the FA Cup final.
In addition to live event coverage, the BBC also has the rights to present match highlights, aligning with the current Match of the Day coverage scheme. This collaboration not only guarantees the FA Cup’s presence on terrestrial TV but also permits all matches to be showcased beyond the traditional 3pm blackout period from the initial round onwards.
Philip Bernie, the BBC’s interim director of sport, has communicated his pride in maintaining the longstanding tradition of delivering FA Cup excitement to fans. He expressed his views by stating, “This partnership for the next four years is fantastic news and, in conjunction with our recent Premier League extension and UEFA Champions League highlights arriving this year, signifies that BBC Sport will supply fans with exceptional analysis, commentary, and coverage of the primary football competitions, free to access for all.”
Mark Bullingham, the FA chief executive, further mentioned, “We are exceedingly pleased that the BBC will continue to serve as one of our Emirates FA Cup broadcast partners, as per this fresh agreement with TNT Sports. It has always been our objective to ensure that this particularly esteemed competition remains accessible to everyone, and this renewed broadcast partnership will permit fans to witness an increased number of live matches from the commencement of the 2025-26 season, accessible through both TNT Sports and free-to-air on the BBC.”
This collaboration is indicative of the commitment to delivering the charm and excitement of the FA Cup to football aficionados across the UK. Through the unwavering support from the BBC, the FA Cup will continue to hold a prominent place within the football calendar, characterized by unforgettable moments and narratives exclusive to this esteemed competition.
The agreement with TNT Sports and the BBC ensures that individuals will have access to the excitement of the FA Cup for the ensuing four years, with the additional coverage and highlights ensuring comprehensive and detailed presentation of the competition. This partnership stands as a testament to the enduring popularity and significance of the FA Cup within the realm of football.
The FA Cup boasts a rich historical background and has succeeded in captivating the imagination of fans for countless generations. The perpetuation of this collaboration between the FA, TNT Sports, and the BBC guarantees that the allure of the competition will persist in enchanting audiences and creating enduring memories for years to come.