How to watch this season’s EFL opening game for FREE as Sky Sports+ launches

Football fans will be thrilled to know that they can watch the opening EFL game for free on Sky Mix, which is available on Freeview and Freesat in celebration of Sky Sports+.

From Thursday, 8 August, Sky Sports subscribers can also enjoy the brand new Sky Sports+ dedicated channel and numerous live streams, offering more choices than ever before—all at no extra cost. Hundreds of hours of live sport will be available to stream, including four times as many matches from the EFL, with all 72 teams featured over 20 times a season.

Sky Sports+ will seamlessly integrate into the existing Sky experience across Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Sky Q, and NOW, so customers won’t need to lift a finger to enjoy the extra sport.

For new customers, an exclusive offer is available to get Sky Sports (including Sky Sports+) and Sky TV in Ultra HD, plus Netflix, for the lowest-ever price of £43 per month. This means fans can enjoy an epic summer of sport on Sky Sports, unmissable Sky Originals & Exclusives, and Netflix, all with one simple subscription*.

The launch of Sky Sports+ comes just in time for the EFL opening weekend, with every game from across the Championship, League One, and League Two streamed live, marking a first in broadcasting history. On Saturday, 10 August, fans can look forward to 30 matches across all three divisions broadcast either on Sky Sports linear channels or streamed via Sky Sports+. The first game of the season on Friday, 9 August, will also be broadcast on Sky Showcase, and Soccer Saturday will air on Sky Mix** and Sky Showcase, adding to the excitement at the start of the football season.

To build up anticipation for the weekend’s action, an EFL season preview show will air on Thursday, 8 August, at 6 pm. Hosts David Prutton, Don Goodman, Jobi McAnuff, and Andy Hinchcliffe will provide the latest analysis and predictions for the upcoming clashes across all divisions.

Beyond live sport, Sky Sports+ will also offer customers exclusive access to Sky’s popular sports documentaries at least two weeks before they’re available elsewhere. This starts with “Mission to Burnley 2,” available exclusively from Friday, 9 August. Following Burnley FC’s return to the Premier League last season, this series provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as Burnley battles to remain in the top tier, facing a tumultuous and challenging end to the season.

Jonathan Licht, Managing Director at Sky Sports, said, “Sky Sports+ is here, taking sports viewing to the next level by offering unmatched access and choice through numerous live streams and our new dedicated channel. We’re showing up for football fans like never before this season, showing every EFL team more than 20 times a season, and this weekend, our viewers can look forward to seeing every EFL game live. We’re thrilled to offer this to customers at no extra cost, ensuring they can enjoy even more of the sport they love this summer.”

Sky Sports+ introduces a host of exciting new features to enhance the viewing experience for sports fans. With live pause and rewind available on all new live streams, viewers can control their sports-watching experience like never before. The updated user interface makes it easier for fans to browse, discover, and watch their favourite sports, thanks to its refreshed design and improved navigation. Live scores from concurrent events will also be displayed on match tiles, allowing fans to keep up with all the action and help choose which matches to watch. Sky Sports+ can be found on linear channel number 410 for Sky Glass customers, 412 for Sky Q customers, and 416 for ROI.

Mobile users will enjoy new personalisation options to follow their favourite teams and competitions, as well as improved navigation and access to all Sky Sports+ live streams via event centres.

This August on Sky Sports, customers can look forward to:

• 100+ EFL matches including every game from the EFL opening weekend across the Championship, League One, and League Two, plus Carabao Cup fixtures
• The start of the SPFL and Premier League season including the opening fixture of Manchester United vs Fulham with fantastic head-to-heads throughout the month including Chelsea vs Manchester City and Aston Villa vs Arsenal
• Rugby Super League’s Magic Weekend
• Coverage from the ATP & WTA Tours and US Open
• The men’s and women’s Hundred and England men’s International Test Cricket England vs Sri Lanka
• PGA, LPGA, and DP World Tour events including the Women’s Open, Wyndham Championship, and the Betfred British Masters
• Formula 1 Netherlands Grand Prix and F1 Academy race …and more!

For instant, contract-free access to all Sky Sports channels, non-Sky subscribers can purchase a NOW Sports Day or Month Membership. This will also include every live Sky Sports+ stream on all NOW-enabled devices at no extra cost, with select catch-up content available on demand.