BBC to show Cymru Premier on free-to-air in major broadcasting change
Cardiff, Wales - 22nd September 2023: Macron match balls ahead of the match. Cardiff Metropolitan University v The New Saints in the JD Cymru Premier at Cyncoed Campus on the 22nd September 2023. (Pic by Lewis Mitchell/FAW)
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) and BBC Cymru Wales have revealed a new deal to show a minimum of 20 Novira Cymru Premier games per season on BBC iPlayer for the next three years, starting this week.
In a press release, the BBC also confirmed that the deal includes “extensive” coverage updates available on BBC Sport Online.
The FAW has been enhancing broadcast coverage of the Novira Cymru Premier, launching Cymru Football TV as a paid platform where every game is available to watch live. The league has also secured a three-season deal with S4C, who remain the league’s primary broadcaster.
BBC Wales’ Head of Sport, Carolyn Hitt, said: “We’re so pleased to be announcing this new deal with the FAW to show games throughout the next three years of the Novira Cymru Premier”, adding: “We hope this will be welcome news for Welsh football fans as we continue to bring sport to free-to-air television.”
BBC’s History With Welsh Domestic Football
The BBC was deeply involved with the League of Wales, as it was named then, from its foundation in 1992/93, notably televising Barry Town’s 3-1 victory over Porto at Jenner Park. Highlights of the league were also included in the long-running sports results programme Wales on Saturday.
The corporation last aired highlights of the Cymru Premier in 2002/03, before Sgorio took over the rights to the league in the 2003/04 season.
FAW Welcomes BBC Partnership
The FAW’s Head of Domestic Leagues, Jack Sharpe, also commented, stating: “I am delighted to welcome the BBC back to Welsh domestic football through this new three-year partnership.
This agreement represents another significant step in growing the profile of the Novira Cymru Premier, enabling us to reach more supporters across Wales and the wider UK through increased free-to-air coverage.
“By doubling our free live broadcast offering compared to last season, we have created a comprehensive broadcasting portfolio where Cymru Football TV and free-to-air coverage work together to serve different audiences… The BBC’s commitment to Welsh domestic football will play an important role in increasing awareness of the league, attracting new audiences, and supporting our wider ambition to continue growing the game.”
First BBC Games Announced
The first game to be broadcast by the BBC will be Barry Town United vs Cardiff Met on Saturday 15 August from 12.30 pm, followed by Ammanford vs Connah’s Quay Nomads on Saturday 22 August at 12.30 pm.
Both games will be exclusive to BBC iPlayer.
