FA Cup to become freely available to viewers after ITV secures four-year deal from 2021

ITV has secured a four-year deal to broadcast the FA Cup from 2021, the broadcaster announced on Thursday.

The new deal means that coverage of the competition, currently shared between the BBC and BT Sport, will be freely available to all UK viewers.

ITV will cover more than 20 matches each season, along with the FA Community Shield, until the 2024/25 campaign.

Sharing coverage with the BBC, ITV will have first pick and fourth pick of matches in the second round, fourth round and the quarter finals, as well as second and third picks for the first, third and fifth rounds and second pick of the semi-finals.

Niall Sloane, ITV Director of Sport, said: “We are delighted to be able to broadcast the FA Cup once again. We are particularly pleased that we shared The FA’s vision of a completely free-to-air competition and look forward to bringing new viewers all the along the road to Wembley Stadium.”

Mark Bullingham, FA Chief Commercial; Football Development Officer, added: “The Emirates FA Cup continues to capture the public’s imagination, drawing millions of viewers at every stage.

“This agreement with ITV is fantastic news and means that we will reach the broadest possible audience across the country.

“ITV has been a great broadcast partner with the England Men’s Internationals and will do a brilliant job with the coverage of the world’s most historic cup competition.”