The Latics are to receive an unexpected cash boost after the Football League have struck a deal with Sky Sports for its domestic broadcasting rights; they have signed the five year deal with a £595m agreement. The deal is planned to maximise the financial income and exposure for all 72 clubs. Sky Sports will broadcast: 138 League matches; 15 Play-Off matches including all three Finals; 15 matches from the League Cup including the Final; and the Semi-Final and Final of the Checkatrade Trophy.
Interim Chairwoman Debbie Jevans said, “Having fully considered the matter, its implications and any associated risks, the EFL Board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its Clubs has been reached. Concluding these negotiations has indeed been challenging, as is the case when managing a diverse group of stakeholders, and the Board took on board the comments and frustrations voiced by a number of Clubs and has committed to reviewing the way the League engages with its Clubs to ensure that we move forward in a collaborative way in the future. The Board looks forward to continuing the excellent relationship and partnership it has with Sky Sports.”
Chief Executive Shaun Harvey commented, “The deal we have entered into with Sky, after fully testing the current market through our external advisors, allows our Clubs the benefit of financial security which was an absolute priority for us throughout this process. It is a partnership that, as well as having the necessary financial benefits, provides the EFL with the platform to maximise reach and exposure for its competitions, alongside providing further opportunities for Clubs to monetise some of those games not broadcast on television through a DTC offering.”
Now if they could only shift some of the obscene amounts of money in the Premier League down into grass roots football, they would get more respect from fans of lower clubs!