Wycombe Wanderers’ Sky Bet League One clash against Portsmouth on Sunday 4 December will take place live on Sky Sports with enhanced coverage available throughout the broadcast, in a fixture billed by Sky Sports as the first-ever ‘EFL Innovation Game’.
The fixture, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football, will give supporters more behind-the-scenes access than ever before, with on-pitch audio, dressing room footage, exclusive interviews and club personnel on co-commentary duties, alongside a closer look at the role of the match officials, both in the lead up to, and on the matchday.
Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth and Portsmouth counterpart Danny Cowley will also be on-hand to join the Sky Sports team at half-time and during the second half to reflect on the game, and to give a unique insight into a manager’s thoughts mid-match.
With the EFL taking centre stage domestically during the World Cup, the fixture represents an opportunity for the League to offer a unique approach to coverage, providing supporters with rare access to the full matchday experience.
EFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said: “Audience habits and the appetite for how we consume content is changing. This fixture provided an ideal opportunity to expand and enhance EFL coverage and in doing so explore broadcasting opportunities for what may be possible in the future.”
Gary Hughes, Director of Football, Sky Sports said: “Innovation has always been at the heart of everything Sky Sports does. We’re constantly looking at ways to improve our coverage and bring our viewers closer to the action. Sunday’s game will do just that as we go behind the scenes to give fans even more access and insight."
Wycombe Wanderers manager, Gareth Ainsworth said: “I think it’s a brilliant initiative and we’re thrilled that Wycombe Wanderers have been invited to take part in what is a pioneering and potentially game-changing way for football fans to enjoy a live broadcast.
“It will help showcase both clubs to a much wider audience, and it’ll be a fantastic advert for the EFL and League One football, particularly while there’s lots of attention on events out in Qatar.”
Portsmouth Chief Executive, Andrew Cullen said: “Portsmouth Football Club are delighted to be selected and involved in this innovative broadcast. We look forward to providing fans with a closer look at what occurs on a matchday, as well as working in partnership with the EFL to develop new forms of content for broadcasters, supporters and viewers.”
You can watch all the action from the first-ever ‘EFL Innovation Game’ between Wycombe Wanderers and Portsmouth, Live on Sky Sports Football from 11:30am on Sunday 4 December.