The anticipation for the new Premier League season is always heightened by the announcement of the first batch of televised fixtures, and the 2025/26 campaign is no exception. The Premier League has officially confirmed the TV selections for August, setting the stage for a month packed with high-profile clashes, fresh narratives, and the return of football’s most passionate fanbases to living rooms across the UK and beyond.
The official announcement, released on July 9, 2025, details the matches chosen for live broadcast in the UK for Matchweek two and three. Among the headline fixtures, Liverpool’s home encounter with AFC Bournemouth on Friday, August 15, at 20:00 BST will be shown live on Sky Sports, kicking off the weekend’s action. As is tradition, matches involving the league’s biggest clubs—such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool—feature prominently in the TV schedule. These selections are driven by the clubs’ massive global followings and the presence of star players, ensuring maximum viewership and engagement.
Rivalries and derbies are also prioritised, with broadcasters keen to capture the drama and intensity that define the Premier League. The opening weeks often include fixtures with historical significance or those that could set the tone for the title race, European qualification, or relegation battles.
Broadcasting Rights and Coverage
The Premier League’s broadcasting rights in the UK are held by Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon Prime Video, and the BBC. Sky Sports continues to lead with the largest share of live matches, while Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports provide additional coverage, and the BBC offers highlights and select live games. This multi-platform approach ensures fans have more ways than ever to follow the action, whether via traditional TV or streaming services.
Reactions from Clubs, Managers, and Fans
The release of the TV schedule is always met with a mix of excitement and frustration. Managers have been known to voice concerns about fixture timings, especially when early or late kick-offs impact team preparation and recovery. For example, Leeds United’s Daniel Farke recently criticised a TV move as “unacceptable,” reflecting the logistical challenges clubs face. Fans, meanwhile, take to social media and fan channels to share their opinions—ranging from delight at prime-time slots to disappointment when travel plans are disrupted by late changes.
Viewership Trends and the Global Audience
The appetite for Premier League football remains insatiable. Last season, Sky Sports reported a 40% increase in viewers for the opening weekend compared to the previous year, while NBC’s coverage in the US saw record numbers, with a Total Audience Delivery of 2.9 million viewers on the final day of the 2024/25 campaign. This upward trend underscores the league’s status as the world’s most-watched domestic football competition.
Looking Ahead
With the August TV selections now confirmed, fans can start planning their weekends around the must-watch fixtures. The blend of blockbuster matchups, emerging storylines, and the live crowds promises another unforgettable start to the Premier League season. As always, the eyes of the footballing world will be glued to the screens, ready for the drama to unfold.