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FA Cup to be shown on BT Sport and BBC until 2021

The broadcasters have reached a new agreement for the right to show the competition

Tuesday 12 April 2016 17:50 BST
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Alexis Sanchez lifts the FA Cup after Arsenal won the trophy last year
Alexis Sanchez lifts the FA Cup after Arsenal won the trophy last year

The FA Cup will continue to be shown on the BBC and BT Sport after the broadcasters reached an agreement to extend their shared coverage through to 2021.

As part of the new deal, the networks will make an "enhanced commitment" to women's football, with the BBC to show live coverage of international qualifiers and the Women's FA Cup Final, plus one England Women's friendly per season to go alongside additional live matches and Women's Super League highlights.

BT Sport is to remain the exclusive live broadcaster of the Women's Super League and from 2018 will show the Women's FA Cup semi-finals live, the Women's FA Cup Final and England Women's home friendlies.

Commenting on the deal, director of BBC Sport Barbara Slater said: "We are delighted to retain the rights to broadcast the most famous domestic cup competition in the world on free to air TV.

"The renewed deal will bring audiences closer to the action than ever before via an innovative digital offering across all platforms and showcase our commitment to the women's game. FA Cup coverage on the BBC will continue to unite the nation through must see sporting moments, captivating audiences of all ages."

Delia Bushell, managing director, BT TV and BT Sport, said: "The FA Cup is a fantastic competition which is loved the world over, and we are delighted to be extending our partnership with the FA. We will continue to support the FA with more live matches and ground-breaking Ultra HD and digital coverage.

"BT Sport audiences are up nearly 50 per cent this season which demonstrates how popular our coverage has become with sports fans. We're proud to be the only place to follow all the best football competitions: The FA Cup, Premier League, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League."

Martin Glenn, FA CEO, added: "The Emirates FA Cup has enjoyed record viewing figures, with seven million alone watching Tottenham's third-round tie against Leicester City, outstripping all viewing figures for club matches in England this season, both domestically and in Europe. It is a competition loved not only in this country but throughout the world, as demand for broadcast rights globally highlight."

PA

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