Football League revenue cut under new Sky deal

The Football League have agreed a new deal to broadcast matches with Sky Sports - but it is not necessarily good news for clubs.

The new deal is worth £65m a year for three seasons, and represents a £23m per year (26% drop from the previous contract, which expires at the end of next season.

Under the new agreement Sky will broadcast 75 npower Football League matches exclusively live, per season, plus the play-offs.

They will also have exclusive coverage of the Carling Cup, showing 15 matches per season including both legs of each semi-final and the final itself at Wembley.

The Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final and at least two games from the preceding rounds will also be broadcast exclusively by Sky Sports, who are expected to continue their current highlight shows.

In a statement on the official Football League website, Chairman Greg Clarke said:

'Sky Sports is a highly valued partner of The Football League and we are delighted to extend our relationship for a further three seasons. They are a class act and our clubs will welcome their continued support.

'This has been a challenging climate in which to negotiate television rights, given the state of the economy and the lack of competitive tension in the sports broadcasting market.

'I am confident that our clubs will take heart from seeing such a significant ongoing investment in their competitions, despite a reduced level of broadcasting income, as it provides financial certainty in uncertain times.'

A highlights package for terrestrial television is still up for grabs.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.