For All To See

Fans will be able to watch the entire FA Cup on free-TV starting in the '21-22 season. GETTY IMAGES

The FA Cup is set to be broadcast exclusively on free-to-air TV for an "extended period for the first time" since the late '80s, with ITV close to joining the BBC as rights holders. The expected four-year package from the start of the '21-22 season will "guarantee larger television audiences for the oldest cup competition in the world." In March, the BBC won the rights to broadcast up to 18 live FA Cup matches a season, in addition to highlights and online highlights, with ITV "set to gain a larger package of up to 30 games as the senior partner." While the contract has yet to be signed, it "is believed that it contains provision" for the BBC and ITV to "share live coverage of the final" (LONDON TIMES, 5/14).