In a major development for American football fans in Europe, Sky Sports has signed a landmark three-year agreement with the NFL, enhancing coverage of the league across the United Kingdom and Ireland. Effective starting with the 2025 season, this deal marks the 30th anniversary of the long-standing partnership between Sky Sports and the NFL, and it promises to significantly broaden access to live games for UK audiences.
Under the terms of the agreement, Sky Sports will broadcast more than half of all NFL games live, representing a 50% increase in overall coverage compared to previous seasons. The deal includes exclusive Sunday broadcasts at 6 PM and 9 PM, ensuring that viewers in the UK can catch the league’s most popular matchups at convenient times. This expanded access demonstrates the NFL’s commitment to growing its fan base internationally and making American football a year-round spectacle for viewers across Europe.
A major highlight of the deal is the inclusion of NFL games played outside the United States. London, Dublin, and Madrid are set to host multiple games this season, showcasing the NFL’s ambitious global strategy. London will feature three matchups: two at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and one at Wembley Stadium. Dublin’s Croke Park will welcome a highly anticipated contest between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers, marking the league’s first official games in Ireland in several years. These international games are expected to attract thousands of fans to stadiums and millions more via television broadcasts, underscoring the NFL’s expanding footprint overseas.
In addition to live game coverage, Sky Sports will continue to provide comprehensive NFL programming, including every playoff game, the Pro Bowl, Thanksgiving games, the Super Bowl, and NFL RedZone. This ensures that fans will have access not only to live events but also to a wide range of expert commentary, analysis, and highlights, keeping them connected to all aspects of the season. NFL RedZone, in particular, has become a fan favorite, offering real-time updates on every scoring play during Sunday games.
Industry analysts view the expanded deal as a strategic move that strengthens both Sky Sports and the NFL’s presence in Europe. It not only increases the visibility of the sport but also offers opportunities for sponsorships, marketing, and fan engagement at a global scale. With American football steadily gaining popularity in the UK, the enhanced broadcast schedule could further stimulate interest in grassroots programs and fan communities, creating a more sustainable following for the sport in international markets.
The Sky Sports-NFL deal is more than a broadcasting agreement—it is a testament to the league’s vision for international growth. By making games more accessible to UK and Irish audiences, the NFL is reinforcing its status as a global sports brand while giving fans unprecedented access to one of America’s most popular professional leagues. With the 2025 season just around the corner, European fans can look forward to an exciting lineup of live NFL action, marking a new era for the sport across the Atlantic.
