ITV secure EFL highlights package for the 2022/23 season

A new EFL highlights show will start on ITV at the beginning of the 2022/23 season in what is set to be a partnership that will last over two campaigns.

Quest had held the rights to show all EFL action from 2018 up until the start of next season, and despite its sometimes infuriating coverage, it was well-received by most fans of EFL clubs.

ITV is hoping to bring more extensive coverage to EFL, which is often lacking from major production companies who have a sporting interest.

ITV Director of Sport Niall Slone was delighted that his company managed to get the deal over the line.

He said:

“This deal brings viewers free to air coverage of one of the most unpredictable divisions we have in the Sky Bet Championship, the best of the action from Sky Bet League One and League Two alongside the exciting midweek competitions in the Carabao Cup and the Papa John’s Trophy.

“By offering highlights across our platforms, via our channels and on-demand on ITV Hub, we hope football fans will enjoy our EFL shows from next season.”

Describing the Papa John’s trophy as an exciting midweek competition might be a slight aberration, but all in all, it is positive to see EFL coverage being broadcasted to a wider outreach.

It seems that ITV are willing to take a risk because this new show has the potential to either be a great success or an absolute failure. However, there is some worry that the EFL highlights will get lost on a major television network.

Quest’s coverage has become a much-liked product, with Colin Murray’s expert analysis along with contributions from those such as Ali Maxwell providing fantastic content.

But EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch was unequivocal in his support for the new EFL highlights show.

He said:

“With 1891 matches played across the season, it’s crucial for the EFL that the very best of our match action is widely accessible, and we are delighted that ITV will show highlights of our games for the next two years.

“As an experienced major broadcaster with a comprehensive sports portfolio, ITV’s commitment to high-quality coverage will showcase the breadth and depth of our competitions to football supporters all over the country.”

Quest’s highlights show was by no means perfect, but many appreciated the time and care put into a show for fans of EFL clubs to enjoy.

One controversial point was always the time given to Leagues One and Two, which was often shown much later on in the show for a shorter period of time. A separate show for each EFL League would be ideal, but it is possibly a stretch for channels to provide.

Fans are excitedly anticipating seeing their clubs on a large free-to-air channel again after the BBC lost rights to EFL highlights in 2015.

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