TNT Sports agree new FA Cup TV coverage deal in blow to BBC and ITV

TNT Sports has bagged the rights to broadcast FA Cup matches as part of a four-year agreement, starting from the 2025/26 season. The big news was announced by the Football Association on Thursday, with some of the games still set to be free to watch.

ITV and BBC currently share the rights to show the historic competition but the new deal leaves the regular broadcasters fighting to keep FA Cup coverage. FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: «The Emirates FA Cup is our crown jewel, and it helps us to provide vital investment across every level of English football, supporting clubs, communities, facilities and the wider grassroots game.

»Every season, and across every round, the Emirates FA Cup creates incredible moments and unforgettable memories for fans, and this new partnership will see selected matches shown live on TNT Sports, as well as free-to-air, from the first round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium.

«TNT Sports are an outstanding broadcaster with an impressive record of showing some of the biggest and best sporting events around the world, so we are delighted to be working with them on our shared commitment and long-term vision that will ensure the Emirates FA Cup continues to thrive over the coming years.»

FA Cup matches will be shown on TNT from the first round, and «every game from the third round will be on display,» except for 3pm kick-offs. TNT will also share highlights from every match, as well as the FA Community Shield, FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.

Details about free-to-air games, which have been shared by the BBC and ITV in the past, are yet to be released. However, Andrew Georgiou, president and managing director of Warner Bros. Discovery UK and Ireland, hinted that