Sky is to offer all UK homes free access to the Premier League’s opening day by broadcasting its match coverage on Sky 2 and Pick TV, the free to air channel it operates on Freeview as well as pay TV platforms.
The move to offer a day’s free access to Sky Sports comes after rival BT announced its new sports channels would be free for all customers taking a BT Broadband package.
Sky has 116 live Premier League games which will air on Saturday evenings, Sunday double-headers, Monday nights and bank holidays.
The league’s first day, 17th August, will see Sky Sports 1 replace regular programming on Sky 2 (on Sky and other pay TV services) and Pick TV (on Freeview and YouView).
Viewers will be able to enjoy a live Premier League match, a Football League fixture, plus other shows including new series Saturday Night Football at no cost.
Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports, said: “It’s our biggest ever season of Premier League football and we’re inviting every home in Britain to enjoy the opening day. All fans can join the action as we launch our new Saturday schedule for the most eagerly awaited Premier League season in years.
“With more matches than ever before, including 116 live Premier League fixtures, there’s never been a better time to be a Sky Sports viewer. If you don’t have Sky Sports, this is a great opportunity to sample what our football coverage has to offer throughout the year.”