Carabao Cup final TV channel, free live stream and kick-off time
How to watch the Carabao Cup final for free as Arsenal and Manchester City battle for the first piece of silverware of the season.
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Carabao Cup final TV channel, free live stream and kick-off time
How to watch the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City for free on UK TV
- ITV in Sky agreement: A sub-licensing arrangement, agreed in 2024, permits a selection of EFL and Carabao Cup fixtures to be shown on terrestrial television alongside Sky Sports' own coverage. This agreement includes Sunday's final.
- Length of agreement: The existing broadcast deal extends until the conclusion of the 2026/27 season. This ensures fans can count on the final being accessible on terrestrial TV for at least one more year following Sunday's spectacle.
- Cost of agreement: The sub-licensing deal is reportedly valued at roughly £15 million. This extra income from ITV aids in boosting the financial distribution to all 72 EFL clubs, supporting the wider English football pyramid beyond the Premier League.
- Coverage start time: Programming on ITV and STV commences at 3.30pm with interviews and analysis. The match gets underway at 4.30pm.
- UK streaming: Supporters can also watch for free on the ITVX and STV Player apps with a verified account. This allows streaming on mobile phones, tablets and smart TVs nationwide.
- Sky's role: While ITV offers the free-to-air option, Sky, as the primary rights holder, continues to show every single fixture of the competition live across its various channels and the Sky Sports+ platform.
- Sky coverage: The pre-match analysis starts on the Sky Sports Football channel at 3.30pm, while Sky Sports Main Event will also broadcast the match following the conclusion of the relegation showdown between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
- US viewers: The game is exclusive to Paramount+. The streaming service will commence its coverage at 11.30am ET. Although it requires a subscription, new users can often utilise a seven-day free trial to watch the final.
- UK radio: BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT will provide coverage. Both stations will offer comprehensive live commentary, pre-match build-up and post-match reaction.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta's frosty three-word response to Pep Guardiola ahead of Carabao Cup final
