BBC Sport and the FA agree a new four-year FA Cup deal

The BBC and the FA have agreed a new four-year broadcast deal to show the FA Cup until 2025.

The new deal will have more FA Cup matches than ever before on the BBC, with up to 18 live matches across the competition per season.

It also includes greater coverage of the early rounds – with up to six live matches from across the First and Second Rounds.

“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,” said Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Commercial & Football Development Officer.

“The popularity of the competition goes from strength to strength, and continues to draw some of the largest audiences in sport. Over 8.1 million tuned in for the Fifth Round tie between Chelsea and Manchester United, making it the most-watched match of the 2018/19 domestic season to date.

“The Emirates FA Cup is a competition that captures the imagination of the fans year after year and, without fail, creates incredible stories that become folklore in English football history. This is an exciting new deal and we look forward to working with the BBC for years to come.”

The new agreement will start at the beginning of the 2021/22 season.

Barbara Slater, Director of BBC Sport, added: “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 on 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.”

As for this year’s FA Cup, the BBC will air Manchester City’s semi-final clash against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday 6th April, while BT Sport is to show Watford v Wolves a day later.