A shift in viewer attention appears to be occurring on TNT Sports, with data indicating a stronger pull for FA Cup matches over Premier League fixtures. This phenomenon, observed across both men's and women's competitions, suggests a re-evaluation of broadcasting strategies and fan engagement.
TNT Sports has increased its coverage of the FA Cup, broadcasting numerous matches from both the men's and women's tournaments. This expanded offering includes the men's FA Cup third round, with a significant number of games scheduled across multiple TNT Sports channels and discovery+. Similarly, the Adobe Women's FA Cup is also receiving dedicated broadcast slots. This season marks a significant commitment, with TNT Sports airing a total of 26 FA Cup games over a ten-day period. The broadcaster aims to capitalize on the historical significance of the competition and provide comprehensive coverage, including documentaries and special "Goals Show" editions.
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Increased FA Cup Broadcasts Signal Strategic Focus
TNT Sports has made a notable effort to prominently feature the FA Cup in its programming. This includes a substantial number of matches from both the men's and women's competitions being made available to viewers.
Men's FA Cup: A large volume of third-round matches were broadcast on January 9-12, 2026, across TNT Sports 1 through 9 and discovery+. This demonstrates a broad distribution of coverage for early-round fixtures.
Women's FA Cup: Similarly, the Adobe Women's FA Cup fourth round saw four fixtures broadcast between January 15-18, 2026, on TNT Sports 1.
Special Programming: The broadcaster has introduced related content, such as the documentary 'The People’s Story' and a special 'Goals Show Extra' for the FA Cup, underscoring its commitment to the tournament.
Fan Engagement and Pub Patronage
Data suggests that the FA Cup's appeal extends beyond the living room, with a tangible impact on pub attendance.
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Pub Visit Likelihood: Research indicates that 85% of football fans stated they were more likely to visit a pub in January 2026 to watch FA Cup matches live on TV.
Broadcaster's Claim: TNT Sports has asserted that its European football coverage, in general, drives more customers into pubs than any other live sport. This extends to their FA Cup broadcasts.
Criticisms Regarding FA Cup Broadcasts
Despite increased coverage, some aspects of TNT Sports' FA Cup broadcast have drawn negative feedback from viewers.
"Goals Show" Criticism: A significant portion of fan reaction on social media labeled TNT Sports' FA Cup "Goals Show" program as "absolute garbage."
Punditry Issues: Specific complaints focused on the pundits "shouting over each other" and the overall perceived poor quality of the football-adjacent show. One viewer expressed dissatisfaction, questioning why "everything that TNT Sports produces on the sports side" is of such low quality.
Premier League Coverage and Competition Landscape
While the FA Cup garners significant attention on TNT Sports, the broadcaster also features Premier League and other major European competitions.
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Premier League Broadcasts: TNT Sports shows a notable number of Premier League games, with 52 fixtures scheduled for the 2025/26 season. Specific weeks in February 2026 featured multiple Premier League matches broadcast across the platform.
Broader Competition Slate: In addition to the Premier League and FA Cup, TNT Sports also holds rights for UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League matches, as well as the UEFA Super Cup.
Market Dynamics: Amazon has withdrawn from streaming live Premier League action in the UK, potentially influencing the competitive landscape for football broadcasting.
Conclusion: A Divergent Viewer Interest
The evidence suggests that, at least in certain contexts, FA Cup matches are currently attracting a more dedicated viewership on TNT Sports compared to Premier League games. This is particularly apparent when considering the stated intent of pubs to draw customers for FA Cup fixtures. However, this increased viewership for the FA Cup does not preclude criticism of the broadcast's execution, as evidenced by negative fan reactions to the "Goals Show." The broader picture shows TNT Sports offering a wide array of football content, from domestic cups to elite European competitions, aiming to cater to diverse fan interests. The sustained viewership and critical reception of these different offerings will likely inform future broadcasting strategies.
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