EFL to net at least $56 million in US rights deal

The English Football League (EFL) has secured a broadcast distribution deal in the United States. The deal with Relevent Sports, the New York-based agency best known for running LaLiga North America and the International Champion Cup, will bring in at least $56 million for the English Football League.

However, that potential could grow further. In other words, Relevent paid the EFL $56 million over the next four years for the opportunity to sell the rights. Now, as the agency works to sell those rights to broadcasters in the United States, it can sell the rights to TV or streaming broadcasters for far more than $56 million. If it does so, Relevent will provide the EFL with 80% of the additional revenue earned.

Currently, the rights deal in the United States for the EFL runs via ESPN through the end of this season. The broadcaster regularly puts games from the Championship on ESPN+, with select games from League One and League Two also available on the platform.

Importantly, this rights deal that runs from 2024/25 through 2027/28 may include all EFL fixtures. That means each game in the Championship, League One, League Two, Carabao Cup and promotion playoff games are available to broadcasters. In the past, ESPN has not put every single game on ESPN+. Yet, it remains an option, and it may drive up the fees Relevent is looking for.

Expanding the EFL in the Americas

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch says the international broadcast deals provide revenue sustainability.

“These new agreements represent not only guaranteed levels of revenue but also present the League and our 72 clubs with a fantastic opportunity to establish further the EFL as a premium football brand in markets across the world,” Birch said.

Relevent Sports has worked with broadcast rights deals for LaLiga and the UEFA club competitions in the United States. Therefore, it has an understanding of the American streaming and broadcast market.

EFL rights deal in US…

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Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-03-05 21:15:10

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