The FA are delighted to have reached agreement with the BBC and BT Sport for the broadcasters to extend their shared coverage of The Emirates FA Cup until 2021.
The new agreement, which is for three years, will see the most famous cup club competition in world football continue its strong coverage across both channels and will see more live FA Cup matches on television from the 2018-19 campaign, allowing supporters across the country to enjoy extra action in the world’s original cup competition.
The Emirates FA Cup
- BBC and BT Sport to show live games until 2021
- Up to 30 matches and one more game per round will be live on BT Sport from 2018
- BBC offer TV, radio and digital platforms for interactive coverage
"The Emirates FA Cup has enjoyed record viewing figures, with 7m alone watching Tottenham’s third round tie against Leicester City, outstripping all viewing figures for club matches in England this season, both domestically and in Europe," said FA CEO Martin Glenn.
"It is a competition loved not only in this country but throughout the world, as demand for broadcast rights globally highlight.
"The competition is all about the success of the underdog and this season has seen some more fantastic stories.
"The money clubs win can make a hugely positive impact both on and off the pitch and we’re very proud to have distributed £25m to clubs via the prize fund and broadcast fees this season.
"We are excited to continue this association and look forward to sharing new ideas and breaking new ground in the coming years in the world’s oldest and most loved domestic cup competition."
On the BBC, Gary Lineker will continue to lead presentation duties with coverage remaining true to the history and heritage of The FA Cup journey whilst delivering technological innovation that brings audiences closer to the action than ever before via a personalised digital offering.
Fans will be able to stay up-to-date with all the drama and action across TV, radio and digital platforms available to them anytime anywhere.
And BT Sport will broadcast more FA Cup matches than ever from 2018-19, when they will show an extra live match in rounds 1-5 of the competition, covering up to 30 matches exclusively live each year.
From next season, fans will be able to enjoy enhanced FA Cup coverage in Ultra HD and on the innovative BT Sport app.
The new deal will also see an enhanced commitment to women’s football from both the BBC and BT.
The BBC will offer live coverage of international qualifiers, The SSE Women’s FA Cup Final, plus one England Women’s friendly match per season, alongside additional live matches and FA Women’s Super League highlights.
“The competition still captivates fans from every level of the game ”
Martin Glenn FA CEO
BT Sport will remain the exclusive live broadcaster of The FA Women’s Super League and from 2018 will show both Women’s FA Cup semi-finals exclusively live, the Women’s FA Cup Final and England Women’s home friendlies.
Furthermore, the BBC will work closely with key BBC brands to increase the profile and reach of The FA People’s Cup in order to drive participation, and BT will invest in grassroots women’s football, in partnership with The FA.
BT Sport will also continue as the home of The FA international development football, covering England U17, U19 and Under-21 matches exclusively live.
Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, added: "We are delighted to retain the rights to broadcast the most famous domestic cup competition in the world on free to air TV.
"The renewed deal will bring audiences closer to the action than ever before via an innovative digital offering across all platforms and showcase our commitment to the women’s game.
"FA Cup coverage on the BBC will continue to unite the nation through must see sporting moments, captivating audiences of all ages."
Delia Bushell, managing director of BT TV and BT Sport concluded: "The FA Cup is a fantastic competition which is loved the world over, and we are delighted to extend our partnership with The FA.
"BT Sport’s FA Cup coverage has delivered audiences 70 per cent above previous pay broadcaster ESPN and we will continue to support The FA with more live matches and ground-breaking coverage."
