Thursday 8th August marks the beginning of a new era for Sky Sports, with its latest service launching on Sky, Virgin Media, NOW and EE TV.
- New Sky Sports+ service consists of a linear channel, replacing Sky Sports Arena, and a streaming service.
- Users will need to have a reliable broadband internet connection to stream games not shown on the linear channel.
Sky’s new hybrid sports TV service goes live next week, with Sky Sports+ offering fans up to 50% more live sports. While the new Sky Sports+ linear channel will give subscribers extra coverage options, the accompanying streaming service will have the ability to offer up to 100 concurrent live streams in HD.
The service’s launch coincides with the start of the new EFL football season. During the opening weekend, every game from across all three divisions – the Championship, League One and League Two – will be streamed live. This will be a first in broadcasting history.
Sky Sports+ linear channel
Extra live events to compliment coverage on other Sky Sports channels.
For traditional TV viewers, the Sky Sports+ linear channel – replacing Sky Sports Arena – will act as an additional outlet for live sport.
Sky Sports+ is fully launching at 6pm Thursday 8th August with a preview of the EFL season.
On the first night of the EFL 2024-25 season on Friday 9th August, Sky Sports Football will show Blackburn Rovers v Derby County. But Sky Sports+ linear will offer Preston North End v Sheffield United as an alternative.
Sky Sports+ also adds extra coverage of PGA Tour Golf and ATP/WTA Tennis Tours in addition to Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Tennis during its opening weekend.
Sky Sports+ streaming service
Even more options, integrated into existing streaming TV platforms.
For streaming TV users, including fans using the Sky Sports app, Sky Sports+ will offer extra live streams. This means multiple events can be shown at the same time, similar to how events like the Olympics are streamed.
It’s an evolution of the former red button service. However, because it’s delivered via streaming, not satellite, Sky can offer more options.
For example, on Friday 9th August, while the Sky Sports+ linear channel offers live coverage of Preston North End v Sheffield United, Sky Sports+ will offer an extra streaming option with EFL League One coverage of Barnsley v Mansfield Town.
Then on Saturday 10th August and Sunday 11th August, the streaming service will be the only place to access every opening weekend EFL game live. (A selection of games will be picked to be also shown on traditional platforms.)
For Sky Q, Sky Glass, Sky Stream and NOW users, the extra live streams are integrated into the service.
- In the case of Sky Q, extra live streams will be feed to your Sky Q box via your broadband internet connection, not via your satellite dish.
Older Sky boxes not compatible with full Sky Sports+ service
Older non-Sky Q satellite receivers are not compatible with the streaming element. This means it won’t be possible to select a live match if it’s streaming only. The only option will be to watch games shown on an existing traditional Sky Sports broadcast channel.
To get around this, switch to Sky Q (hybrid satellite TV and streaming). Alternatively, Sky Stream or Sky Glass (all TV streamed via broadband) offer every match option.
What’s the streaming/traditional TV split for EFL games in 2024-25?
According to the EFL, 193 games will be shown via traditional broadcast channels (e.g. Sky Sports Football & Sky Sports+ linear). 866 games will be shown via Sky Sports+ streaming.
▶ Where to find the Sky Sports + linear channel
Sky Sports+ linear will replace Sky Sports Arena. It is launching on 8th August.
- Sky satellite channel 412 HD
- Sky Stream/Glass channel 410 HD
- Virgin Media UK channels 508 HD / 518 SD
- Virgin Media ROI channels 407 HD / 456 SD
- EE TV channels 427 SD / 447 HD
You’ll need to be connected to the internet to stream additional Sky Sports+ content, including alternative EFL games.
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Sky