Football Fans Can Kick Off 2026 with Sky Sports Channels Now Available Free of Charge for Millions

Exciting news for UK football enthusiasts as Sky Sports announces that millions of customers can now access its premium channels free of charge starting in 2026, just in time for the Premier League's new season.[1][4]

Sky, the home of live Premier League action, is expanding access to its nine dedicated sports channels—including coverage of the EFL, F1, Golf Majors, Tennis, and England Cricket—without additional fees for existing Sky TV, Sky Glass, and NOW TV subscribers.[1] This move coincides with Sky's boosted Premier League rights, increasing from 128 to at least 215 live matches next season, covering 80% of all televised games, including every Sunday 2pm kick-off.[1][4]

The 2025/26 Premier League fixtures were revealed on June 18, 2025, with the season kicking off the weekend of August 16/17 and concluding on May 24, 2026—perfectly timed before the 2026 World Cup.[4] Newcomers Leeds, Burnley, and Sunderland join the fray after promotion, replacing relegated Southampton, Leicester, and Ipswich, as Liverpool aims to defend their title under Arne Slot.[4]

This free access builds on Sky's recent partnerships, including an extended deal with Warner Bros. Discovery for the ad-supported Max streaming service launching in early 2026 at no extra cost, though focused on entertainment like HBO originals.[3] Sky Group CEO Dana Strong highlighted securing major sports rights through the decade and transitioning to IP platforms, with 9 out of 10 new customers choosing Sky Glass or Stream.[3]

Fans can enjoy round-the-clock coverage of top events: every F1 session, all four days of Golf Majors, WSL, Scottish Premiership, NFL, Boxing, Darts, and more—all live on channels like Sky Sports+ at no added expense.[1] Add Sky Sports anytime via the My Sky app. This initiative positions Sky as the ultimate destination for sports lovers entering 2026.

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