BBC signs new four-year deal to broadcast FA Cup

The FA Cup will remain on the BBC until 2025 | photo credit: Sky Sports.

The BBC will show live FA Cup matches until 2025 as part of a new four-year broadcast deal with the Football Association.

The new deal, which will come into effect at the start of the 2021-22 campaign, will give the BBC the rights to show live games, highlights and online clips.

Speaking on the deal the FA said it was “exciting” and added:

“We look forward to working with the BBC for years to come.”

There will be up to 18 fixtures a season televised, which is more than ever before.

Despite feelings that the competition has lost its ‘magic’ the FA’s chief commercial and football development officer Mark Bullingham highlighted Manchester United’s fifth-round win at Chelsea as it was the most watched domestic game of the season.

The match drew 8.1 million viewers.

“The popularity of the competition goes from strength to strength and continues to draw some of the largest audiences in sport,” said Bullingham.

“The Emirates FA Cup is the best and most historic domestic cup competition in the world – and we are delighted to have agreed a new long-term commitment to keep it on the BBC until 2025.”

Matches from the early stages of the competition are also set to be shown as part of the deal with up to six live matches across the first and second rounds to be aired.

Director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater also expressed her excitement that the cup will be staying on the BBC.

“We are delighted to have secured these FA Cup rights until the 2024-25 season, ensuring the millions that tune into free-to-air TV can continue to enjoy the most famous domestic cup competition in the world.

“This new deal now brings even more games to audiences across the country as the BBC provides top-class sport to all of our platforms. Our FA Cup coverage delivers some of the year’s biggest viewing figures, engages a key younger audience and provides memorable sporting moments that unite a nation.”

The FA Cup continues with semi-final clashes between Wolves and Watford, and Manchester City against Brighton taking place on the weekend of April 6 and 7.