Channel 4 has bagged rights to broadcast hatful of England’s upcoming soccer games.

The UK broadcaster has struck a deal to air England’s matches in the UEFA Nations League, the upcoming European Championship qualifiers and several high-profile friendly games.

Previously, those games would have gone out through pay TV service Sky Sports. This marks a huge coup for the publicly-owned, free-to-air Channel 4, which this month was rocked by the news the government is planning to sell it to private hands.

The deal comprises 20 games in total through to 2024, with friendlies against Germany European champions Italy playing this year. England also face Italy in their Nations League group.

“This deal shows Channel 4 can compete for some of the biggest properties in sport and will bring substantial new audiences to our award-winning slate of original programming,” said Channel 4 Chief Content Officer Ian Katz.

The news comes in the same week it revealed European streaming service Viaplay had snapped up UK rights to exclusively Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland games from 2024, ahead of its launch in the country. 

Must Read Stories

Will Leave ‘Late Late Show’ In 2023 After Inking One-Year Extension; Top Moments

Russell Crowe & Liam Hemsworth Set For Action-Thriller ‘Land Of Bad’

Lionsgate Gives First Look At John Wick 4′, Sets ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel Date

Amber Heard Will Testify As First Defense Witness In $50M Defamation Case

Read More About:

Source: Read Full Article