ESPN+ Extends Deal to Keep Emirates FA Cup Exclusively on Platform Until 2027-28 Season
ESPN+ Secures Extension with English FA for Exclusive FA Cup Coverage Until 2028
In a landmark agreement, ESPN announced this week that it has extended its partnership with the English Football Association (FA) to continue offering exclusive coverage of the Emirates FA Cup matches on ESPN+ until the 2027-28 season. This deal solidifies ESPN’s position as the home of the oldest and longest-running national soccer competition in the world.
Key Details of the Agreement:
– ESPN+ will exclusively stream all 79 matches of the FA Cup each season in the United States.
– The extension of the deal includes the FA Community Shield, the traditional season-opening match between the FA Cup winners and the Premier League champions.
– ESPN+ will join Venu Sports, a joint venture sports streaming platform launching this fall by Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
– The platform already offers a wide range of soccer content, including matches from men’s and women’s professional leagues in the U.S. and various international competitions.
The FA Cup, which dates back to 1871-72, is open to clubs from the top tier of English football down to the ninth level, showcasing the diversity and inclusivity of the tournament. Approximately 700 professional and non-professional teams compete for the prestigious cup each season.
Commenting on the partnership, Tim Bunnell, SVP of Programming and Acquisition at ESPN, expressed excitement about continuing to offer fans in the U.S. access to top European cup competitions and domestic leagues through ESPN+. He highlighted the historical significance and popularity of the Emirates FA Cup and emphasized the platform’s commitment to providing compelling soccer content to its audience.
The FA Cup Commercial Director, James Gray, also shared his enthusiasm for the extended partnership, citing the growth of soccer in the U.S. and the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America. He praised ESPN as a valued partner and looked forward to sharing the unique stories of the Emirates FA Cup with American audiences until 2028.
In addition to the FA Cup, ESPN+ offers a diverse selection of soccer content, including matches from the National Women’s Soccer League, United Soccer League, and NCAA college championships. The platform also features games from top European leagues such as LaLiga, Bundesliga, and Eredivisie, making it a comprehensive destination for soccer enthusiasts.
As ESPN+ prepares to join the upcoming Venu Sports streaming platform, subscribers can look forward to continued access to FA Cup games and a wide array of sports content for years to come. The extension of the FA Cup agreement underscores ESPN’s commitment to delivering premium soccer coverage and enhancing the viewing experience for fans across the United States.