EFL extends beIN Sports broadcast rights to 2027/28

Avatar
Image credit: EFL website

The English Football League (EFL) has extended its broadcast rights agreement with pay-tv provider beIN Sports for an additional four years, offering more games for international fans in 27 territories.

This renewal, which runs through the end of the 2027/28 season, includes the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, as well as France, Australia, and New Zealand.

Under the agreement, the Qatari-based network will broadcast more than 300 fixtures each season.

It will be split across 155 EFL Championship matches, 38 League One and League Two games each, and, for the first time ever, all 93 Carabao Cup fixtures.

In Australia, beIN Sports first held full EFL rights in 2015 and will continue well past the 10 year mark as fans of the other leagues now only require a beIN Connect subscription to view every game at $14.99/month.

The extension was negotiated by Pitch International, which manages the EFL’s media rights across Europe, MENA and Asia-Pacific.

Pitch International has successfully negotiated record US and domestic deals that allow every EFL game to be viewed via a legal stream, excluding the 3pm Saturday kick-offs in England (due to the enforced TV blackout).

Mohammad Al-Subaie, CEO of beIN MENA spoke about the great relationship the broadcaster have with the EFL.

“In addition to being the oldest football league in the world, the EFL is also one of the most competitive football ecosystems globally,” Al-Subaie said in a beIN Group media release.

“BeIN is proud to see its relationship with the EFL extended until the end of the 2027-28 season, by which time we will have been together for more than 18 years.

“We look forward to four more years of drama and tension, talent and determination, and are delighted to continue to provide our subscribers access to the finest moments and greatest matches from every corner of English football.”

This is great news for EFL fans in Australia, who can continue watching their favourite teams without needing to switch providers. With beIN Sports also offering coverage of Serie A, Ligue 1 & 2, and La Liga, fans can enjoy a comprehensive football experience with a single subscription.

The EFL has identified the Asia-Pacific region as a key market for future expansion, and securing extended broadcast rights in this area is an important first step toward reaching that goal.

Previous ArticleNext Article

Football SA commits to quality with TigerTurf partnership

Avatar
Image credit: Bokeh Blur Background / Shutterstock.com

An industry leader in synthetic pitches and sports surface technology, TigerTurf will now team up with Football SA as a Preferred Supplier of Synthetic Pitches.

Supporting growth on and off the pitch

A key issue facing many clubs and districts across Australia’s football landscape is facility access.

Sharing venues and pitches with other winter sports restricts not just playing time, but pitch quality when access becomes available.

But with TigerTurf’s expertise, built over the course of 40 years in the industry, footballers in South Australia will now see the installation of quality and durable synthetic pitches designed to support their footballing journey.

“Football continues to experience strong and sustained growth across South Australia, and with that growth comes an increasing need for high-quality, sustainable and accessible facilities,” explained Football SA Chief Executive Officer, Michael Carter.

“Our role at Football SA is to support clubs not only on the field, but also in ensuring they have the infrastructure required to grow their communities and deliver football for generations to come.”

Furthermore, TigerTurf Australia General Manager, Travis Knight, also commented on the organisation’s mission to players and people across communities in South Australia.

“At TigerTurf, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy safe, reliable and high-quality spaces to play,” Knight said via press release.

“This partnership allows us to work alongside Football SA to create inclusive facilities that encourage more people to participate, stay active and feel part of the football community.”

 

Responding to participation

Football continues to be Australia’s most participated team sport. According to Football Australia, roughly 1.93 million people enjoy the beautiful game within clubs, schools, social settings and futsal.

In South Australia alone, 2024 saw total participation reach 126,934, emphasising the need for widespread facility access.

Thus, TigerTurf’s role in the industry goes far beyond pitch installation. Through its partnership with South Australia, they are ensuring current players can continue to develop as players, while also building strong foundations for future generations.

All-year-round access, reductions in weather cancellations, and long-term planning opportunities mean that synthetic pitches are a valuable investment.

And, partnered with the industry knowledge of TigerTurf, Football SA can expect this investment to return ten-fold in the form of participation, growth and community spirit.

Football NSW celebrates volunteers across football community

Avatar
Image credit: PeopleImages / Shutterstock.com

As National Volunteer Week gets underway from 18-24 May, Football NSW are championing the people who dedicate their time and efforts to supporting all across the football landscape.

Essential to sports

According to the Federal Government’s Australian Sports Commission, there are roughly 2.9 million Australians per year who give their free time and energy to sports across the country.

They are critical to the continued growth and culture of sports nationwide, especially within the football community.

Which is why, during National Volunteer Week, it is so important to recognise the contributions made by the people who uphold the game we love week-in week-out.

Football NSW CEO, John Tsatsimas, commended volunteers in New South Wales and highlighted the vital role they play in the sport across the state.

“Football in New South Wales simply does not exist without volunteers,” Tstatsimas stated via press release.

“They are the heartbeat of our clubs and competitions, and their contribution is felt in every match played across the state each weekend.”

“We are incredibly grateful for the time, passion and dedication they bring to the game.”

 

Supporting operations behind-the-scenes

Volunteers, despite their fundamental role in the grassroots game, often go unseen in the chaos and excitement of a matchday.

But, as Football NSW emphasises, their responsibilities and contributions are wide-ranging leading up to fixtures to ensure players and supporters alike experience the best of grassroots football.

“Week in, week out, these dedicated individuals ensure football continues to thrive across the state, coaching junior teams, refereeing matches, managing squads, running canteens, preparing fields, coordinating fixtures and supporting clubs in countless behind-the-scenes roles,” Football NSW said via press release.

So this week serves as an important period to recognise the backbone of local football communities not only in New South Wales, but all states across the nation.

Most Popular Topics

Editor Picks

Send this to a friend