ITV to broadcast two Championship fixtures

ITV has formed a broadcast deal with Sky Sports and the EFL to give UK football fans the chance to watch free-to-air coverage of two Sky Bet Championship fixtures.

In detail, Leeds United vs Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 19 January will air on ITV1 and ITVX and Middlesbrough vs Sunderland on Monday 3 February will air on ITV4 and ITVX.

Trevor Birch, Chief Executive of the EFL, said: “The EFL is home to some of the most popular and exciting competitions in world football, and the competition for promotion places is already shaping up to be as competitive as ever across the three divisions as we head into the second half of the season.”

The Championship is typically shown on Sky Sports, which usually costs £20 per-month.

The move means that fans who cannot buy a ticket for each game or do not have a Sky Sports subscription can watch the matches free of charge.

Birch added: “We are delighted that this agreement between the League, ITV and Sky Sports will open them up to an even wider audience, and would like to extend our thanks to both partners for making this possible.”

ITV’s English Football League coverage continues with the second-leg Carabao Cup match live at Anfield, Liverpool vs Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday 6 February, on ITV1 and ITVX. Kick-off scheduled for 8pm.

“We are delighted to continue our relationship with the EFL by broadcasting free-to-air fixtures for our viewers to enjoy,” added Mark Demuth, Controller of ITV Sport.

“The Carabao Cup and Sky Bet Championship are staples of English football and I am sure fans will relish the opportunity to watch on ITV Sport.”