The EFL has called a meeting for all clubs to consider a new domestic broadcast proposal, as announced in a statement by the EFL.
With the news of Sky Sports previously confirmed as the preferred bidder for EFL football from 2024/25 onwards, a meeting for 5 May has been called in which all teams in the EFL will consider a new broadcast proposal.
Sky Sports To Remain?
As announced earlier in the month, Sky Sports are the preferred bidder when it comes to broadcast rights, giving them an exclusive month-long negotiating period. With that period set to end before the meeting, Sky and the EFL should be off the back of a fresh proposal that will be put forward by the EFL board.
After hearing the recommendations, all teams will then vote on approval of the idea, with a majority vote of clubs overall and a majority vote of clubs in the Championship needed for any proposal to be passed.
What Happened To DAZN?
It was previously reported last month that DAZN were also in the running for the EFL broadcast rights and was apparently planning a bid. The news came with backlash as DAZN was planning on ending the long-standing ‘blackout rule’.
As the EFL has been in exclusive negotiations with Sky, DAZN could potentially still be in the picture, however, it is left to be believed that Sky Sports are favoured by the EFL to remain as the broadcaster.
What’s Been Said:
In a statement released by the EFL, they announced the proposal for the new agreement will be run over in a meeting will all EFL clubs.
“Further to the announcement of Sky Sports as its preferred bidder earlier this month, the EFL has called a meeting of all Clubs for Friday 5 May 2023 to consider proposals for a new domestic broadcast agreement from 2024/25 onwards.
“The League has been in an exclusive month-long negotiating period with the preferred bidder and at next week’s meeting a recommendation from the EFL Board and Commercial Committee will be put forward, before asking Clubs for approval in principle.
“In accordance with EFL Regulations, a majority vote of Clubs overall and a majority vote of Clubs in the Championship is required for any proposal to be passed.”
Writer’s View
Back during the news of DAZN, I had strong feelings on how I think broadcasting English football in the UK needed a change. Now while those thoughts are more to how the Premier League is viewed, Sky Sports still haven’t maximised the potential of broadcasting EFL football.
League One and Two have been practically ignored and neglected by Sky over the years, and it’s a shame they haven’t gotten the most out of it. With Sky juggling so many projects, many its time someone else takes control and gives it the attention that could revolutionise the lower leagues.
