ITV confirm first free-to-air Championship clashes as part of major broadcasting change within English football
FOOTBALL fans have learnt which free-to-air Championship clashes will be shown on ITV as part of a major broadcasting change.
ITV will televise two Sky Bet Championship fixtures over the next month as part of an agreement with Sky Sports.
The Championship is typically shown on Sky, which costs at least £20 per-month.
However, ITV has agreed to show two games between January and February.
The free-to-air network will first show league leaders Leeds face Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday 19 January on ITV1 and ITVX.
Meanwhile fans can catch Jude Bellingham‘s younger brother Jobe when Sunderland travel to Middlesbrough on Monday 3 February.
Both sides are promotion contenders, but Sunderland, who sit fourth in the table, enjoy a nine point cushion above Michael Carrick‘s side.
Their play-off chasing match will air on ITV4 and ITVX.
Mark Demuth, Controller of ITV Sport, said: “We are delighted to continue our relationship with the EFL by broadcasting free-to-air fixtures for our viewers to enjoy.”
And fans heaped praise on the broadcasting move.
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One wrote: “The Championship is the best league in the world and more people should be able to watch it.”
Another joked: “This is the best news I’ve heard this year!”
ITV’s English Football League coverage secured rights to Arsenal‘s first-leg Carabao Cup clash against Newcastle on Tuesday.
They will also show the second-leg Carabao Cup match between Liverpool and Tottenham on Thursday 6th February.
Sky Sports will continue to broadcast all four cup matches.
Meanwhile, ITV will join the BBC in presenting the FA Cup third-round this weekend.
Aston Villa‘s clash with West Ham will be shown from 8pm on Friday night.
As will Liverpool‘s home match against Accrington Stanley on Saturday at 12.15pm.