The BBC and BT Sport have extended their deal to air the FA Cup until 2021 and pledged to increase coverage of women’s football.
The three-year extension to the existing £200m-plus deal, which was struck in 2013 and brought the world’s oldest knockout cup competition back to the BBC after seven years, is crucial for the increasingly cash-strapped corporation.
The BBC’s sports right budget has been a major target of the corporation’s cutbacks but it has targeted key events that it feels it needs to retain the broadcasting rights.
“We are delighted to retain the rights to broadcast the most famous domestic cup competition in the world on free to air TV,” said Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport. “FA Cup coverage on the BBC will continue to unite the nation through must see sporting moments, captivating audiences of all ages.”
Under the deal extension Gary Lineker will continue to be lead presenter and BT Sport has picked up an extra live live match in the first five rounds, taking its total to up to 30 games each year.
“The FA Cup is a fantastic competition which is loved the world over, and we are delighted to be extending our partnership with the FA,” said Delia Bushell, managing director of BT TV and BT Sport. “We will continue to support the FA with more live matches and groundbreaking Ultra HD and digital coverage.”
Both broadcasters have agreed to increase coverage of women’s football.
The BBC will offer live coverage international qualifiers, the women’s FA Cup final, one England women’s friendly per season and highlights of the FA Women’s Super League.
BT Sport will remain the exclusively 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 Senior Women’s home friendlies.
