BBC Cymru Wales Secures Broadcast Deal for Novira Cymru Premier
BBC Cymru Wales has finalized a new agreement with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to air selected matches from the Novira Cymru Premier for the next three years.
This deal guarantees a minimum of 20 live games each season, with broadcasts available on BBC iPlayer until 2029.
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Additionally, viewers can expect extensive updates on BBC Sport Online.
The inaugural match on BBC iPlayer will feature Barry Town United against Cardiff Met—both teams having won their first two matches of the season—on Saturday, 15 August at 12:30 BST.
Following this, the game between Ammanford and Connah’s Quay Nomads will also be available on iPlayer on Saturday, 22 August, kicking off at the same time.
“This deal strengthens our commitment to provide live coverage of Welsh football, and follows our recent announcement to show all of the UEFA Wales men’s international games up until Euro 2028,” stated Carolyn Hitt, head of sport at BBC Wales.
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“We hope this will be welcome news to Welsh football fans as we continue to bring sport to free-to-air television.”
The top tier of Welsh football, established in 1992, has undergone changes for its 35th edition, primarily moving games to Friday evenings.
The league has expanded from 12 to 16 clubs following the promotion of Llandudno, Airbus UK, Holywell Town, Trefelin BGC, Cambrian United, and Ammanford.
Jack Sharp, FAW head of domestic leagues, expressed enthusiasm about the BBC’s return to Welsh domestic football through this new partnership. “This agreement marks a significant advancement in raising the profile of the Novira Cymru Premier, allowing us to connect with more supporters across Wales and the broader UK through enhanced free-to-air coverage,” he said.
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“By doubling our free live broadcast offerings compared to last season, we have created a comprehensive broadcasting portfolio where Cymru Football TV and free-to-air coverage complement each other to cater to different audiences. Whether fans opt to watch every match via Cymru Football TV or tune in for selected fixtures on free-to-air television, increased opportunities to engage with our clubs and competitions await them.” He added that the BBC’s involvement will play a crucial role in boosting awareness of the league and attracting new fans, ultimately supporting the broader goal of advancing the sport.
BBC Cymru Wales has agreed a new deal with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to broadcast selected games from the Novira Cymru Premier for the next three years.
The agreement includes a minimum of 20 live games per season, which will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer, running until 2029.
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Extensive coverage updates will also be available on BBC Sport Online.
The first match to be broadcast on BBC iPlayer will be Barry Town United v Cardiff Met – who have both won their opening two games of the season – on Saturday, 15 August (12:30 BST).
Ammanford v Connah’s Quay Nomads will then be available on iPlayer on Saturday, 22 August, also a 12:30 BST kick-off.
“This deal strengthens our commitment to provide live coverage of Welsh football, and follows our recent announcement to show all of the Uefa Wales men’s international games up until Euro 2028,” said BBC Wales head of sport Carolyn Hitt.
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“We hope this will be welcome news to Welsh football fans as we continue to bring sport to free-to-air television.”
Wales’ top tier, formed in 1992, has been revamped for its 35th edition with games predominantly switching to Friday evenings.
The number of clubs has been increased from 12 to 16 with the promotion of Llandudno, Airbus UK, Holywell Town, Trefelin BGC, Cambrian United and Ammanford.
Jack Sharp, FAW head of domestic leagues, said: “I am delighted to welcome the BBC back to Welsh domestic football through this new three-year partnership.
“This agreement represents another significant step in growing the profile of the Novira Cymru Premier, enabling us to reach more supporters across Wales and the wider UK through increased free-to-air coverage.
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“By doubling our free live broadcast offering compared to last season, we have created a comprehensive broadcasting portfolio where Cymru Football TV and free-to-air coverage work together to serve different audiences.
“Whether supporters choose to watch every match through Cymru Football TV or enjoy selected fixtures on free-to-air television, more people than ever before will have the opportunity to connect with our clubs and competitions.
“The BBC’s commitment to Welsh domestic football will play an important role in increasing awareness of the league, attracting new audiences, and supporting our wider ambition to continue growing the game.”
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