ESPN Renews FA Cup Rights in the U.S.

ESPN has clinched a new four-year deal with the English Football Association (FA) for the U.S. media rights to the FA Cup.

The pact, which runs from 2024/25 to 2027/28, includes 79 matches per season streamed exclusively on ESPN+. It also covers the FA Community Shield, the annual season-opening match between the latest Emirates FA Cup winners and Premier League titleholders. ESPN+ has been the home of the U.K. football competition since the 2018/19 season. The deal was brokered by IMG.

“We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the FA and to offer fans in the United States the best European cup competitions and domestic leagues in the sport,” said Tim Bunnell, senior VP of programming and acquisition at ESPN. “The Emirates FA Cup is an iconic, historic and resonant competition, and offering it as part of the robust content offering on ESPN+ continues to make the platform a must-have for soccer fans.”

James Gray, The FA’s commercial director, added: “It’s an exciting time for soccer in the U.S., with the game’s growth evident for all to see and the FIFA World Cup in North America on the horizon. ESPN has been our valued partner for many years, so we’re really happy that they will continue to share the unique stories of the Emirates FA Cup with their audiences until 2028.”

Hillary Mandel, executive VP and head of commercial, Americas, for IMG’s media business, added: “The Emirates FA Cup remains a key event on ESPN+ and this deal demonstrates the ongoing appeal for one of soccer’s most prestigious cup competitions, which continues to grow. We’re pleased to extend the successful partnership with ESPN so fans in the U.S. can continue to watch their favorite teams and players.”