ITV ‘are ready to show the FA Cup final and Epsom Derby BACK-TO-BACK on June 3’ with free-to-air broadcaster ‘targeting one of their biggest live audiences EVER’
- ITV is reportedly preparing for a blockbuster day of sporting action on June 3
- The free-to-air broadcaster has rights to two of year’s biggest sporting events
- FA Cup final has been pushed back into June due to the winter World Cup break
ITV is targeting one of its biggest live audiences ever in a ‘blockbuster’ double header around the FA Cup final, according to a new report.
The free-to-air broadcaster has the rights to the FA Cup final – one of the most prestigious days in the English football calendar – and the Epsom Derby.
According to the Mirror, ITV could move the Derby, which has typically been broadcast at 4.30pm, back to run it as a build-up to the Wembley final.
The time of the FA Cup final is still to be determined, with a decision reportedly on hold until this weekend’s semi-finals conclude.
Manchester City face Championship side Sheffield United on Saturday while Manchester United face an in-form Brighton on Sunday.
The FA Cup final has been pushed back into June due to the break enforced by the World Cup
The Epsom Derby could reportedly be shuffled back to run directly before the FA Cup final
The FA Cup final is in a late slot having been pushed back following the disruption of the winter World Cup in Qatar late last year.
That means it has been put on a collision course with the Epsom Derby, itself one of the most prestigious meets of racing’s annual calendar.
The report claims that the Derby could be shuffled back to 4pm to allow the FA Cup final to run straight after.
The FA Cup final kicked off at 4.45pm last season as Liverpool defeated Chelsea.
ITV, who have a deal to show UK horse racing through until the end of 2026, would rule out any potential for overlap given the magnitude of the two events.
As well as the Derby, ITV has rights to show more than 100 days of live racing coverage each year.
The Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot, as well as the Derby, all fall under the broadcaster’s wing.
***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk