Channel 5 and Sky Sports Announce Game-Changing NFL Coverage for 2025 Season

NFL Announces Massive UK Broadcasting Deal: Sky Expands, Channel 5 Goes Free-to-Air

Back in our June 20th article, we asked whether the UK would follow Germany's broadcasting blueprint as Sky Sports' NFL deal expired. We suggested the UK market was ready for a multi-platform approach combining free-to-air and subscription services. What's actually happened is even better than we imagined.

The UK's NFL coverage is undergoing its biggest shake-up in years. Sky Sports has just announced it will show more games than ever with its new three-year deal, expanding coverage by nearly 50%.

Meanwhile, Channel 5 is bringing the NFL back to free-to-air television for the first time in 20 years. While DAZN Game Pass has long offered every game for dedicated fans, the expanded traditional TV coverage means casual viewers and those without subscriptions finally have genuine options again.

Sky Sports: Bigger and Better Than Ever

Contrary to speculation that Sky might lose its NFL rights, it has actually secured its biggest NFL package ever. The new three-year deal, announced today, extends Sky's NFL partnership to over 30 years and includes:

Expanded Sunday Coverage:

• First-pick exclusive games at 6pm and 9pm

• A SECOND game at 6pm running concurrently

• Up to TWO additional games at 9pm (meaning potentially three 9pm games at once)

• This represents a near 50% increase in live matches

Complete Prime Time Package:

• Every Thursday Night Football game

• Every Sunday Night Football game

• Every Monday Night Football game

• NFL RedZone is continuing throughout Sunday afternoons

Marquee Events:

• All London and European games (including new games in Dublin and Madrid)

• Three Thanksgiving games

• Every playoff game

• Super Bowl LX from California

Year-Round Content:

• Dedicated Sky Sports NFL channel

• Good Morning Football

• Pro Football Talk

• The Insiders

• NFL Films documentaries

Channel 5: Free Football Returns

Starting September 7, 2025, Channel 5 will revolutionise free-to-air NFL coverage with a completely new approach:

Weekly Games:

• Two Sunday games every week

• 6pm game on Channel 5 with entertainment format "NFL: Big Game Night"

• 9pm game on 5ACTION (rebranded as 5NFL)

• Hosted by Dermot O'Leary, Sam Quek, and Osi Umenyiora

Special Coverage:

• Super Bowl LX free-to-air

• International games in London and Dublin

• Thanksgiving specials

• Three playoff games

The innovative "Big Game Night" format will blend live sport with entertainment during breaks, featuring families competing for prizes including trips to NFL cities. It's designed to make the sport accessible to newcomers while the 9pm slot offers traditional coverage.

DAZN: The Complete Package

For the ultimate NFL experience, DAZN's NFL Game Pass remains the comprehensive solution:

• Every single regular-season game live, except those shown on Sky Sports, which are blacked out

• Full playoff coverage

• Condensed games and highlights

• NFL Network 24/7

• All-22 coaches film

• Games on demand

Crucially, Channel 5's games won't be blacked out on Game Pass, meaning DAZN subscribers can watch everything. Only Sky's exclusive Sunday games remain subject to blackout restrictions.

Why This Matters

This isn't just about more games. It's about the NFL finally treating the UK as a priority market worthy of investment. Consider the landscape:

1. Accessibility: Channel 5's free coverage removes the biggest barrier to entry

2. Choice: Multiple concurrent games mean fans can pick their preferred matchup

3. Flexibility: Options from free-to-air to premium subscriptions

4. Innovation: Channel 5's entertainment format could attract new demographics

5. Comprehensiveness: Between all platforms, every single game is available

What This Means for UK NFL Growth

With London games selling out in minutes and Jacksonville considering London as a second home, the UK was already the NFL's most important international market. These broadcasting deals cement that status.

The combination of free-to-air accessibility and premium depth could trigger exponential growth. Parents might discover the sport on Channel 5's family-friendly coverage, then graduate to Sky Sports for more games, and eventually to Game Pass for full immersion.