EFL TV Fixtures Announced: Full Sky Sports Broadcast Schedule (April 14–19, 2026)
Sky Sports agrees new five-year EFL deal

This announcement is part of the ongoing 2025/26 broadcast cycle, delivering fans more access than ever before thanks to a landmark five-year rights deal. Here’s everything you need to know, from the full schedule to how the selection process works.

EFL Fixtures on TV: April 14–19, 2026

Below is the confirmed list of live matches, including kick-off times and broadcast channels:

Tuesday, April 14

  • Portsmouth vs Ipswich Town
    Kick-off: 8:00 PM | Channel: Sky Sports Football

Thursday, April 16

  • Bromley vs Cambridge United
    Kick-off: 8:00 PM | Channel: Sky Sports Football

Friday, April 17

  • Blackburn Rovers vs Coventry City
    Kick-off: 8:00 PM | Channel: Sky Sports Football

Saturday, April 18 (12:30 PM kick-offs)

  • Portsmouth vs Leicester City – Sky Sports Football

  • Derby County vs Oxford United – Sky Sports+

  • Millwall vs Queens Park Rangers (QPR) – Sky Sports+

  • Bolton Wanderers vs Huddersfield Town – Sky Sports+

  • Barnsley vs Bradford City – Sky Sports+

  • Barrow vs Walsall – Sky Sports+

  • Swindon Town vs Accrington Stanley – Sky Sports+

Sunday, April 19

  • Ipswich Town vs Middlesbrough
    Kick-off: 12:00 PM | Channel: Sky Sports Football

Key Highlights from the Announcement

This latest batch of TV selections offers a few notable talking points:

  • Portsmouth feature twice in the same week, including a high-profile clash against Leicester City.

  • A strong mix of Championship and lower-league fixtures ensures broad coverage across all EFL tiers.

  • The continued use of Sky Sports+ allows more matches from League One and League Two to reach a wider audience.

How the EFL TV Selection Process Works

The 2025/26 season introduces a more structured and fan-friendly approach to fixture announcements.

  • Matches are now selected on a four-week rolling basis from February onward.

  • Fans receive significantly more notice compared to previous seasons, making travel planning easier.

Key timeline milestones:

  • Early-season fixtures confirmed on release day

  • Full selections up to September announced by July 3, 2025

  • Matches through FA Cup third round confirmed by July 31, 2025

  • Fixtures up to late February announced by November 7, 2025

  • Post-March fixtures released in rolling four-week windows

This is a major improvement from the previous model, where fans often had just five weeks’ notice.

Where to Watch EFL Matches

Fans can watch EFL matches across multiple platforms:

  • Sky Sports Football – primary broadcast channel

  • Sky Sports+ – additional coverage for simultaneous fixtures

  • NOW streaming service – live and on-demand access

  • Sky Sports mobile app – integrated viewing experience

Select matches from competitions like the Carabao Cup and Championship may also be available on ITV.

Record-Breaking Coverage Under New Deal

The current broadcast agreement between the EFL and Sky Sports is transforming how fans watch football:

  • ✔ Over 1,000 live matches per season

  • ✔ Up to 10 live games per weekend

  • ✔ Balanced coverage across Championship, League One, and League Two

However, traditional broadcasting rules still apply. The long-standing Saturday afternoon blackout (2:45 PM – 5:15 PM) remains in place to protect match attendance.

Final Thoughts

The April 2026 TV selections underline the EFL’s commitment to accessibility and fan experience. With more matches televised, earlier announcements, and improved streaming options, following your club has never been easier.

As the season approaches its decisive stages, expect more high-stakes fixtures to be featured live — giving fans front-row access to promotion battles, playoff races, and relegation drama.