Huge agreement reached that will allow Doncaster Rovers matches to be streamed online

A landmark agreement has been reached that will pave the way for Doncaster Rovers matches to be streamed live online while supporters are not allowed in stadiums.
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Sky Sports have agreed to waive their exclusive rights to screen EFL matches live, as they did during the Championship restart.

The broadcasting blackout which prevents live football being broadcast in England between 3pm and 5pm on Saturdays will also be lifted.

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This will allow Rovers to stream their matches live on the iFollow service through their official website, starting with next Saturday’s Carabao Cup tie at Blackburn Rovers.

TV cameras in the standsTV cameras in the stands
TV cameras in the stands

It has been reported that season ticket holders will be able to stream any match they are prevented from attending for free. Individual match passes will be priced at £10.

Negotiations continue on how revenue from streaming matches will be divided up between clubs but in the Championship it will go to whichever club the viewer purchases the match pass from.

It is expected the agreement with Sky Sports will remain in place until crowds of more than 50 per cent capacity are permitted at matches.

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Sky pay £119million per year for the exclusive rights to EFL league and Carabao Cup matches but have waived their exclusivity in a bid to help clubs survive through the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The 2020/21 season will begin behind-closed-doors with fans expected to be allowed into stadiums in limited numbers from October 1.

Initial stadium capacities are set to be determined on a case-by-case basis with Rovers initially working towards a 33 per cent limit.

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