A Sky television retail outlet in Manchester, England as it appeared in April 2022. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons, Graphic by The Desk)
A Sky television retail outlet in Manchester, England as it appeared in April 2022. (Photo via Wikimedia Commons, Graphic by The Desk)
Comcast’s Sky Group has struck a new three-year deal with the National Football League (NFL) that expands the number of live American football games available to its Sky satellite and streaming pay TV providers.
The agreement extends Sky’s long-running relationship with the NFL to more than 30 years and secures the broadcaster first-pick rights to exclusive games every Sunday at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sky Sports NFL. In addition, Sky will show a second game at 6 p.m. and up to two additional games at 9 p.m. concurrently, marking a near 50 percent increase in live coverage.
For the first time, every London and Europe game will be carried live on Sky, including new contests in Ireland and Spain. NFL RedZone will remain part of the package, as will the rights to Amazon Prime Video’s Thurdsay Night Football, NBC’s Sunday Night Football, ESPN’s Monday Night Football, Thanksgiving Day games, the NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Jonathan Licht, the Chief Soports Officer for Sky UK and Ireland, said the deal emphasizes Sky’s commitment to American football.
“We’re proud to extend our partnership with the NFL beyond 30 years,” Licht said in a statement. “The sport continues to grow and captivate UK audiences, which we saw first-hand with record-breaking Super Bowl LVII viewership on Sky Sports. With more games than ever before, we’re excited to offer further value to our customers and continue to bring fans world-class coverage.”
Officials at the NFL also praised the expanded partnership, saying the British market “continues to be a priority for the NFL internationally as we look to drive fandom and grow the game at every level around the world.”
“Sky Sports has been a significant part of the NFL’s growth story in the UK over the years, helping us to reach new audiences and bring fans the very best NFL content,” Gerrit Meier, Managing Director and Head of NFL International, said on Friday. “We are delighted to see our expanded partnership continue.”
Games will be carried on Sky Sports NFL, Sky Sports Mix and Sky Sports Plus, with the in-season NFL channel once again serving as the round-the-clock home of league coverage through Super Bowl LX, set for February 8, 2026 at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Sky will reveal its coverage plans for the 2025 season closer to the September 4 kickoff.
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sky Sports, with an increase in NFL coverage for fans in the UK,” added Laura Louisy, the Director of NFL International Business Development and Media. “Viewers can follow the NFL season across each tent pole moment from Kickoff through to Super Bowl and everything in between with Sky Sports – giving fans more choice than ever before – and is a testament to the growth of our long-term partnership.”
Separately, Paramount Global’s Channel 5 has renewed its agreement with the NFL to continue offering some football games throughout the season. This year, Channel 5 will have the rights to two Sunday night games — significantly fewer compared to the portfolio of Monday Night Football games simulcast from ESPN last year, which are now shifting to Sky.