Premier League clubs are gearing up for a broadcasting overhaul that will see more live games aired than ever before, with Sky Sports set to show 215 matches from next season.
The upcoming 2025/26 campaign will feature a record nine English clubs in Europe, leading to an influx of Sunday fixtures — all of which will be televised.
TNT Sports will retain its Saturday lunchtime slot and two full midweek rounds, while Amazon Prime exits the Premier League picture, simplifying subscriptions for fans.
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However, concerns persist over the rise in illegal streaming, as many supporters grow frustrated by the lack of access to all matches on traditional broadcasters.
Despite these challenges, one club bucked the trend during a turbulent season — and unsurprisingly, it was Manchester United.
While Premier League viewership figures dropped across the board in 2024/25, matches involving United defied the decline.
According to figures revealed at the Premier League’s annual general meeting, Sky Sports recorded a 10% drop in average viewers, bringing numbers back in line with the 2021/22 campaign.
TNT Sports also saw a decrease, with a 5% drop in Saturday 12:30pm kick-offs and a 17% decline during midweek rounds when games were shown simultaneously.
Yet despite registering their worst league performance since the Premier League began in 1992, Manchester United’s fixtures continued to draw significant interest, as reported by The Times.
A recent CIES report confirmed the Red Devils as the most followed club in England, ahead of Liverpool and Arsenal — and that fanbase clearly remained loyal.
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Broadcast insiders even suggested that United’s struggles may have attracted rival fans hoping to witness more misfortune, contributing to high ratings.
With other clubs failing to keep the title race or relegation battle alive in the final stretch, interest in the league dipped.
Liverpool strolled to the title, and the relegation picture was already clear months before the end, with Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton all doomed early.
That stagnation, combined with an expanded EFL schedule on Sky and more Champions League games, contributed to a fragmented audience.
Still, United’s enduring pull remains a major asset for broadcasters — especially as the league looks to crack down on piracy and improve digital engagement.
As the new £6.7 billion broadcast deal kicks in, featuring Match of the Day rights and four-year terms for the first time, Manchester United’s unmatched magnetism could once again prove invaluable for the Premier League’s global brand.
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