TNT Sports is set to host the broadcast of the BBC’s FA Cup fixtures, marking a significant shift in the sports broadcasting landscape. This change will come into effect from the 2025/26 season, following a rights deal agreed upon last year.
Since the 2021/22 campaign, the FA Cup competition has been shown by both BBC and ITV. However, starting from 2025/26, TNT Sports will take over as the primary broadcaster for most of this prestigious competition. This transition is part of a rights deal that ensures free-to-air coverage continues for fans.
The agreement sees TNT partnering with BBC instead of using its own linear Quest channel or YouTube channel. As part of this arrangement, pay-TV provider will air selected First and Second Round games and every match from the third round onwards will be broadcasted by TNT. Meanwhile, BBC retains rights to show 14 matches including one semi-final and final. This setup mirrors previous arrangements when BT Sport (now known as TNT Sports) worked with BBC between 2014 and 2021.
Collaborative efforts for comprehensive coverage
Scott Young, Warner Bros. Discovery Sports Europe group SVP for content production and business operations revealed that not only would they be broadcasting but also hosting all fixtures on behalf of BBC. He emphasized their intention to "work closely with [the]BBC," mirroring their collaborative efforts on other shared competitions such as Olympics.
Pete Thomas has been appointed head of football at TNT sports where he'll lead what Young describes as "the most expansive coverage [of the tournament] ever." Thomas' appointment comes with an exciting promise - he brings his experience as a producer at documentary specialist Noah Media Group which could mean more behind-the-scenes access for fans.
New approach to broadcasting
TNT Sports plans to use documentaries as a tool for giving fans more access to the teams and stories that make up the FA Cup. This strategy will leverage Thomas' experience in documentary production, with content being shared across their streaming platform discovery+ and social channels.
This is part of TNT's overall strategy to lean into its "maverick" side, allowing Thomas the "licence to tell the story in new ways." Young explained that this approach aims at pushing clubs beyond their comfort zones while maintaining trust.
Sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts can look forward to a fresh perspective on FA Cup broadcasts from 2025/26 season onwards. With TNT Sports taking over broadcasting rights, viewers can expect an expansive coverage that not only showcases matches but also delves deeper into behind-the-scenes stories of clubs participating in this historic competition.
