The Football Association has confirmed that selected FA Cup matches will be available on TNT Sports from 2025.
It said that the 4 year deal would mean more Emirates FA Cup ties would be broadcast than ever before, with all games from the third round (except the 3pm kick offs) being shown live.
Games will continue to be shown free-to-air, although details of that deal have yet to be revealed – it’s currently split between BBC and ITV.
“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,” said Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Executive.
“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.”
TNT Sports, the Warner Bros. Discovery Channel, previously known as TNT Sports, will also broadcast the FA Community Shield and the FA Youth Cup semi-finals and final.
“TNT Sports is proud to partner with The FA to present more matches of the world’s most prestigious domestic cup competition than ever before alongside our great line up of the Premier League and UEFA Champions League and club competitions, bringing even more live football to our TNT Sports customers,” added Andrew Georgiou, President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Discovery UK & Ireland and WBD Sports Europe.
“The Emirates FA Cup and the incredible stories it creates every season goes well beyond football, making TNT Sports the perfect home as we continue to tell the stories that matter most to the fans.
“We have a huge amount of respect for the place that this world-famous competition has in the hearts of football fans and that’s why continuing to ensure we maintain a level of free-to-air coverage is important for us and The FA.”
TNT Sports is also thought to be in the running for the new WSL broadcast deal. Sky, BBC and DAZN are also believed to be looking at a potential £20m a year deal to show every match live from next season.
Currently worth less than half that amount (£7.75m per year), it includes 35 Sky matches a season and 22 on the BBC. The remaining games stream on the FA Player.
Last year, the Women’s Super League and Women’s Championship agreed unanimously to be run by a new company rather than the FA. NewCo will run the professional game from the start of next season, led by former Nike director, Nikki Doucet.
