Climbdown Rebel Championship clubs agree £595m deal with Sky
Rebel Championship clubs forced into retreat New five-year contract means 35% increase
Championship clubs threatening to rip up the English Football League’s new £595 million television deal with Sky were forced into a climbdown yesterday, reaching a compromise on a five-year contract.
Shaun Harvey, the EFL chief executive, was under pressure after a number of clubs, led by Derby County, Aston Villa, Leeds United and Middlesbrough, outlined plans to find an alternative main backer, with fears rising last week over a possible breakaway in the second tier.
Mel Morris, the Derby owner, and his Leeds counterpart, Andrea Radrizzani, have been strong opponents of the disparity between Premier League and Championship incomes and last week the impasse was seen as potentially disastrous for English football.
But the deal was eventually agreed before the 4pm deadline following a lengthy board meeting, with the EFL understood to recognise the need to build bridges with rebellious clubs.
Harvey’s position is also believed to be safe, yet it remains to be seen what the next move will be from those Championship clubs who had been unhappy with the deal.
Sky’s new terms represent a 35 per cent increase on the current arrangement and the broadcasting giant will continue to show EFL games (including play-offs), the Carabao Cup and the Checkatrade Trophy until May 2024.
Debbie Jevans, the EFL’S interim chairman, said: “Having fully considered the matter, its implications and associated risks, the EFL board is satisfied that the right deal for the EFL and its clubs has been reached.
“Concluding these negotiations has indeed been challenging, as is the case when managing a diverse group of stakeholders, and the board took on board the comments and frustrations voiced by a number of clubs and has committed to reviewing the way the League engages with its clubs to ensure we move forward in a collaborative way in the future.
“The board looks forward to continuing the excellent relationship and partnership it has with Sky.”
Harvey said: “The deal we have entered into with Sky, after fully testing the current market through our external advisers, allows our clubs the benefit of financial security, which was an absolute priority.
“It is a partnership that, as well as having the necessary financial benefits, provides the EFL with the platform to maximise reach and exposure for its competitions, alongside providing further opportunities for clubs to monetise some of those games not broadcast on television through a DTC [direct to consumer] offering.”
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “We’re delighted to finalise our agreement with the EFL and give certainty to its clubs, fans and our customers for five more years. By confirming this deal with the EFL, Sky Sports gets even stronger. Alongside 128 Premier League games, the home of F1 and English cricket, the rights that matter most to our customers are secure into the next decade.”