In a significant move, ITV has secured a contract with UEFA to broadcast England men's football matches starting from September 2024. This deal marks a return of the sport to the network after a two-year hiatus.
The contract encompasses all qualifying matches for the European Championship and the World Cup, UEFA Nations League games and friendly matches between major tournaments.
The total number of matches to be aired is estimated to be around 40, with approximately 10 matches per year. This number, however, is contingent on England's performance in the Nations League and their need to participate in a play-off in qualifiers.
The broadcasting rights for these games were previously held by Channel 4, following a deal struck in 2022. The production was managed by IMG, with Jules Breach leading the presentation. ITV's new agreement will extend until the 2028 European Championship, which is set to be hosted either in Turkey or jointly by the UK and Ireland.
ITV Director of Sport, Niall Sloane, said:
“We’re delighted to bring the England men’s team back to ITV, which keeps coverage of their progress between major tournaments on free-to-air television. We have an experienced team here who are looking forward to bringing viewers all the action and insight from England’s qualification campaigns in the coming years.”
The 2024 and 2028 European Championships will be jointly broadcast by the BBC and ITV. This isn't the first time the two networks have shared broadcasting rights; they also jointly aired the 2023 Women's World Cup and the 2022 men's edition.
Additionally, ITV holds the broadcasting rights for England Women's football team matches until 2025.
This announcement comes on the same day ITV extended its contract for the electric car racing series, Extreme E. This double deal underscores ITV's commitment to providing diverse and exciting sports content to its viewers.
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