ITV Wins FA Cup And England TV Rights

ITV has been awarded the television rights to broadcast the cream of the FA Cup and England internationals in a new four-year deal from the start of the 2008/9 season. Under the terms of the new deal ITV1 will broadcast live coverage of sixteen FA Cup games per season, including first pick live matches from each of the 1st to 6th rounds of the competition plus one Semi-Final exclusively live.

The FA Cup Final will be broadcast live on ITV1. The deal additionally includes highlights of all weekend and mid-week FA Cup matches.

ITV has also secured the exclusive rights to eighteen England International games across the term of the deal including all home qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012. In addition, ITV will broadcast highlights of all England home games on match days. ITV has also secured broadband and mobile rights for all games.

All matches will be screened on ITV1.

Michael Grade, ITV’s Executive Chairman, said: “ITV is pleased to be returning both the FA cup and England games to our viewers and advertisers.

"Our position is now substantially enhanced as the leading terrestrial free to air sports broadcaster. The FA has run an intense bidding process and we are delighted to be the winners with Setanta. It is a great deal for all of us.”

Mark Sharman, ITV’s Director of News and Sport said:“This deal is fantastic news for ITV Sport and our viewers. Both the FA Cup and England internationals have the pulling power to bring valuable mass audiences to the channel.

“We’re looking forward to bringing a fresh perspective to coverage of one of the world’s greatest cup competitions and following the story of England’s journey towards European Championship and World Cup qualification.”

Summary of rights awarded:

England Internationals:
Every home England qualifier for World Cup 2010 and Euro 2012.
Eight England Friendlies across the 4 year deal.
Same day highlights of all England games (including those not broadcast on ITV).

The FA Cup:
One first pick match exclusively from Rounds 1 and 2.
Two matches (including first pick) exclusively from Rounds 3 to 6.
First pick of four replays.
Exclusive first pick Semi-Final.
The FA Cup Final will be shown live simultaneously on ITV1 and Setanta Sport.
Highlights of all FA Cup ties (including those not broadcast on ITV).