The number of live TV games shown from the EFL could more than TREBLE as the league looks to cash in on a battle between Sky Sports and BT Sport for the rights.
The Times newspaper reports that the number of EFL live TV games could rocket from the current 112 a season to up to 324 after it put out tender documents for broadcasters to bid for its live rights which would come into force from the start of the 2019-20 campaign.
The move could see a huge increase in how much money the EFL makes from TV rights with ITV said to also be interested in bidding for some live games.
But it will also be controversial with fans who face a significant increase in the number of games moved and fewer traditional 3pm Saturday kick-offs.
The Times says its seen the tender documents issued by the EFL which splits the rights into three packages - and raises the prospect of games being shown simultaneously on TV, similar to BT's and before it Sky's Champions League coverage where matches are available via different channels and via the red button services.
The newspaper says three deals are available to broadcasters for a period of three to five years:
Weekend Package
Minimum of 114 live TV games and up to 228 live games
This will be the most sought-after package with games available on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday and crucially all the end of season play-offs.
Midweek Package
Up to 96 live games from midweek fixtures.
This would be less of an impact to fans as many EFL games are already scheduled in midweek slots so they wouldn't necessarily move from their original slot. The Times suggests ITV may be interested in bidding for this package.
EFL Cup Package
EVERY EFL Cup game
The Times says every EFL Cup - name Carabao Cup this season - would be made available live. Broadcasters would have to state how many games they would like to screen. This is likely to utilise the red button, online and interactive services of the broadcasters. Again no real impact on fans as the competition is already played in midweek, although it could hit attendances dramatically.
It's believes the deals still include a number of League One and League Two TV games. These are usually screened on international breaks when the Championship and Premier League teams don't play.
Sky currently hold the live TV rights to the EFL showing 127 games a season from all three divisions including the play-off matches. They also hold the live rights to the EFL Cup.
The EFL had an option to extend the Sky deal beyond its expiry at the end of the 2018-19 season, but opted put the rights to the market instead.
The split of packages also raises the prospect of three separate broadcasters showing matches live.
> Premier League LIVE TV games HERE
> EFL LIVE TV games HERE
> SPFL LIVE TV games HERE
> FA Cup LIVE TV games HERE
> Champions League LIVE TV games HERE
> Europa League LIVE TV games HERE
> National League LIVE TV games HERE