The English Football League (EFL) is facing a huge blow as it is being mooted that the rights to broadcast its matches could be split between Sky and a Scandinavian group. This could mean that fans of EFL clubs could face soaring TV bills in order to watch their team’s matches.
The EFL is the governing body for the 72 professional football clubs in England and Wales. It is responsible for the administration of the Football League, the Carabao Cup, the Checkatrade Trophy and the EFL Trophy. The EFL also organises the Football League Championship, League One and League Two.
The EFL has been in negotiations with Sky Sports for the past few months over a new broadcast deal. Sky has been the main broadcaster of EFL matches for the past two decades and has been the exclusive broadcaster of the Championship since 2004.
However, it is now being reported that the EFL is in talks with a Scandinavian group over a new broadcast deal. The group is believed to be offering a much higher sum than Sky for the rights to broadcast EFL matches.
If the EFL were to accept the offer from the Scandinavian group, it would mean that fans of EFL clubs would have to pay more to watch their team’s matches. This is because the Scandinavian group is likely to charge more for its subscription packages than Sky.
The EFL is yet to make a decision on the matter and it is unclear when a decision will be made. However, it is likely that the EFL will make a decision in the near future as the new season is due to start in August.
The potential split of the broadcast rights between Sky and a Scandinavian group could have a huge impact on EFL fans. It could mean that they have to pay more to watch their team’s matches and could even lead to some fans being priced out of watching their team.
The EFL is in a difficult position as it needs to ensure that it gets the best deal for its clubs and fans. However, it also needs to ensure that it does not price out its fans and that it is able to continue to provide a high-quality product.
Only time will tell what the outcome of the negotiations between the EFL and Sky and the Scandinavian group will be. However, it is clear that EFL fans could face soaring TV bills in a huge blow if the rights to broadcast EFL matches are split between Sky and a Scandinavian group.