EFL on TV: How to watch 2025/26 EFL campaigns on Sky Sports

Jonathan Victoria • 06 Aug 2025 Guides

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A new year of EFL football is here and we’re poised for some great action once again across the second, third and fourth tier of English football.

For the fans of any team within those divisions, Sky has got your back once again, continuing on from their monumental introduction of Sky Sports+ last season, providing more live action from the EFL than ever before.

Find out how you can watch the EFL on TV this season, with Sky Sports live EFL coverage plus more information about the coming year.

EFL on TV: Sky Sports+

Last year’s EFL campaign was historic in broadcast terms as Sky Sports delivered more action from across the three leagues this season than ever before thanks to the newest addition to their range, Sky Sports+.

A record domestic rights deal was reached shortly before the start of last season, with EFL clubs unanimously approving a record five-year deal with Sky Sports to broadcast more than 1000 matches a season.

A total of 1059 EFL matches are to be shown within the deals five seasons span (season 2024/25 to 2029/2030), with 328 games coming for the Championship and a further 248 games coming for each of League One and League Two. 

The deal also features all 12 EFL Play-off fixtures, plus all 93 Carabao Cup matches and all 127 EFL Trophy fixtures.

Unfortunately, Article 48 is still in place, which is the article that blocks broadcast periods between 2:45pm to 5:15pm, so any games within that time will not be shown. 

But outside of that time, you will be able to watch every game from the three leagues live on Sky Sports+. 

There is one exception to Article 48 it seems, and that is on opening weekend, as with the beginning of the 2025/26 Championship season coming this weekend, fans of teams whose match falls on the 3pm will be able to watch live on Sky Sports+ live streams.

As well as this, every game on the final day of the season will be shown live, plus all midweek games during the season, games on bank holidays including Boxing Day and New Year’s Day, and League One and Two matches during International breaks.

What is Sky Sports+?

Sky Sports+ is the broadcaster's newest channel plus live streams that comes at no extra cost to Sky Sports subscribers.

Sky Sports+ offers 50% more sport than ever before across the likes of football, tennis, rugby and more.

It launched last year in August, just in time for the new EFL season, delivering a new dedicated channel plus numerous live streams that will show all 72 teams included in the EFL over 20 times a season.

In addition to football, Sky Sports+ brings more opportunities to watch the various sports available on Sky. For instance, the deal with the ATP and WTA tennis tours means you will be able to choose between watching either one if they’re on at the same time.

But it’s not just live sports that are included with Sky Sports+. Customers can also get exclusive access to Sky’s range of popular documentaries and two-week early access to new upcoming docs.

EFL on Sky Sports

To gain access to Sky Sports+ and watch all the action from the coming EFL season, as well as action from the Premier League and all other sports available on Sky this season, you’ll need a valid Sky Sports subscription.

Thankfully, there are many options to choose from through Digital TV. Whether you want or need to get a Sky Sports subscription, need broadband as well as TV, are looking to upgrade your viewing experience or are switching over, you are likely to find a Sky Sports deal that suits your needs.

EFL on TV: Championship Matchday 1 schedule

The new EFL campaign has technically already gotten underway, with League One and League Two kicking off last weekend.

This weekend will see the Championship getting underway, and it is a treat of a first weekend back!

Here is the full schedule for EFL Championship Matchday 1 weekend:

Friday 9th August

• Birmingham City vs Ipswich Town | 8pm | Sky Sports Football

Saturday 10th August

12:30pm kickoffs

• Southampton vs Wrexham | Sky Sports Main Event & Football
   
• Charlton Athletic vs Watford | Sky Sports+
   
• Coventry City vs Hull City | Sky Sports+

3pm kickoffs

• Middlesbrough vs Swansea City | Sky Sports+
   
• Norwich City vs Millwall | Sky Sports+
   
• Oxford United vs Portsmouth | Sky Sports+
   
• Queens Park Rangers vs Preston North End | Sky Sports+
   
• Stoke City vs Derby County | Sky Sports+
   
• West Brom vs Blackburn Rovers | Sky Sports+

5:30pm kickoffs

• Sheffield United vs Bristol City | Sky Sports Football

Sunday 11th August

Championship

• Sheffield Wednesday vs Plymouth Argyle | 4pm | Sky Sports Main Event & Football

Monday 12th August

Championship

• Leicester City vs Sheffield Wednesday | 4:30pm | Sky Sports Football