BT Sport and the BBC have retained the rights to the FA Cup.
The broadcasters, which have shared the coverage since 2013, have agreed a deal until 2021.
The extension will also see an enhanced commitment to women’s football from both broadcasters, with the BBC delivering live coverage of international qualifiers and the Women’s FA Cup final, as well as one England Women’s friendly match per season.
Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, 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.”
BT Sport will remain the exclusive live broadcaster of the FA Women’s Super League and, from 2018, will show both Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.
BT Sport will broadcast more FA Cup matches than ever from 2018/19, when it will show an extra live match in rounds one to five of the competition, covering up to 30 matches each year.
Delia Bushell, managing director of 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.
“BT Sport audiences are up nearly 50 per cent this season, which demonstrates how popular our coverage has become with sports fans.”
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.”
