The Carabao Cup final between Newcastle United and Liverpool, held on Sunday 16 March, attracted a peak audience of just under eight million viewers. This figure is the combined total from across Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, ITV1 and ITVX.
Newcastle United's historic 2-1 victory over Premier League table leaders Liverpool was their first trophy win since 1955. The match was broadcasted on multiple channels due to a joint broadcasting deal agreed upon by Sky and ITV last year.
Throughout the 90-minute match duration, an average audience of 6.3 million tuned in across all channels. This significant number reflects the intense interest in this high-stakes game.
EFL CEO, Trevor Birch, said:
“The attendance and viewership numbers for Sunday’s Final demonstrate the continued popularity of the Carabao Cup, and the value the competition holds in the football calendar for supporters up and down the country and across the world. It was a fitting finale to a wonderful season of Carabao Cup football, and I’d like to thank each of Sky Sports, ITV and our international broadcast partners for making it such a success.”
Joint broadcasting deal
The joint broadcasting deal between Sky and ITV not only covered this monumental final but also includes simulcasting of ten matches from either Championship, League One or League Two as per preference.
This season saw an expansion in coverage with every match from the Carabao Cup being broadcasted by Sky Sports as part of its new EFL rights deal.
The thrilling Carabao Cup final drew millions of viewers nationwide due to its historical significance for Newcastle United and comprehensive coverage provided by both Sky Sports and ITV.
