Leeds United have expressed their displeasure with Sky Sports’ consistent fixture rearrangement, which was evident during Saturday afternoon’s 2-0 victory over Plymouth Argyle.
Leeds returned to the Championship this season, among two other previously well-established Premier League sides, and it seemed evident that they would resume their regular programming of broadcast EFL games.
That has also happened, with Leeds playing 13 games in front of Sky cameras this season, with four more slated before the March international break.
Leeds make light of another lengthy away journey in Plymouth.
Leeds had already traveled to Plymouth Argyle for an FA Cup replay this month, in addition to excursions to Cardiff City, Swansea City, and Bristol City in 2024, and Home Park was their destination again this weekend.
Leeds’ dissatisfaction with this fixture stemmed from the broadcasters’ decision to reschedule the game to a Saturday 12:30pm kick-off, forcing any fan coaches departing from LS11 to leave around 4 a.m.
The Pilgrims, meanwhile, were back at home after their midweek trip to Swansea, with Leeds winning 4-0.
Such travel limitations have made no difference to Leeds, who have won their eighth consecutive game thanks to goals from Willy Gnonto and Georginio Rutter.
Sky’s “near £1bn” contract with the EFL isn’t benefiting Leeds much – Phil Hay
Phil Hay of The Athletic has given more information about Leeds’ relationship with Sky and the EFL, who look to earn far more financially from this TV arrangement than the Whites do.
He wrote:
“Leeds have always believed that they are more valuable to EFL broadcasting contracts than the contracts are to them. They certainly work for the EFL, whose most recent agreement with Sky was little shy of £1 billion.”
Leeds fans are justified to express their unhappiness to Sky TV. Being able to watch games on television is fantastic, especially because we’re on so much, but the way it interrupts the schedule and travel fans is horrible.
Sky and the EFL make no effort to ensure that fans are priority, with scheduling changes made on short notice all the time.
Leeds should not travel to Plymouth at 12:30pm, especially after playing Swansea away in midweek. Most Leeds fans could summarise this debate in five words.
