Broadcaster confirms subscribers will be able to access first-pick games exclusively on the Sky Sports NFL channel when it returns this week on Sky, NOW and Virgin Media.
- Three year NFL deal paves the way for the return of Sky Sports NFL
- More games to be shown live on Sky than before
- Sky says it has first pick of Sunday games, after 5 confirmed it would be showing Sunday games live.
Sky has confirmed subscribers will be regaining access to the Sky Sports NFL channel starting this week. It’s a result of a new broadcast deal between Sky and the NFL, which will run until the end of the 2027-28 season.
Following Paramount’s announcement last week that it would be carrying live NFL every Sunday in the UK on 5 and 5ACTION, Sky confirmed it would be increasing the number of games it makes available to subscribers. As it prepares to go head-to-head with 5 on Sunday evenings, Sky also confirmed its subscribers will have access to the first-pick exclusive game on Sunday at 6pm live on Sky Sports NFL and the first pick for the Sunday 9pm game.
As a result of the increase in NFL live games shown this season, some coverage will spill over to Sky Sports+ and Sky Sports Mix.
The new season starts on Thursday 4 September. It ends on the night of Sunday 8 to Monday 9 February (UK time) with non-exclusive live coverage of the Super Bowl from California.
How to access Sky Sports NFL
Sky Sports NFL replaces Sky Sports Action on Sky satellite channel 412 and Sky Stream channel 410 in the UK.
In the Republic of Ireland, Sky Sports NFL will broadcast on Sky satellite channel 416 and Sky Stream 410.
The channel will also be available via NOW and third-party platforms that carry Sky Sports.
Sky Sports NFL: How coverage is boosted from this year
New programming, with extra coverage for Sky subscribers
- Extra match at 6pm on Sunday
- An extra 1-2 matches at 9pm Sunday
- All European matches
Existing programming that continues into the next three seasons
- Every Thursday Night, Sunday Night and Monday Night NFL games
- NFL RedZone
- Three Thanksgiving games
- Every minute of every playout game, Pro Bowl and Super Bowl live
- Flagship programming from NFL Network, including Good Morning Football and The Insiders.
- Award-winning documentaries and other content from NFL Films and NBC Sport including Pro Football Talk.
Corporate comment
Jonathan Licht, Chief Sports Officer UK & Ireland, commented:
“We’re proud to extend our partnership with the NFL beyond 30 years. The sport continues to grow and captivate UK audiences, which we saw first-hand with record breaking Super Bowl LVII viewership on Sky Sports. With more games than ever before, we’re excited to offer further value to our customers and continue to bring fans world class coverage.”
Laura Louisy, Director, NFL International Business Development and Media, added:
“We’re thrilled to extend our partnership with Sky Sports, with an increase in NFL coverage for fans in the UK. Viewers can follow the NFL season across each tentpole moment from Kickoff through to Super Bowl and everything in between with Sky Sports – giving fans more choice than ever before – and is a testament to the growth of our long-term partnership.”
By: Marc Thornham | Image: Sky