ITV ‘are ready to show the FA Cup Final and Epsom Derby BACK-TO-BACK on June 3’ with free broadcast ‘aimed at one of their biggest live audiences EVER’
- ITV is reportedly gearing up for a blockbuster day of sporting action on June 3
- The free-to-air broadcaster has rights to two of the biggest sporting events of the year
- FA Cup final postponed to June due to World Cup winter break
ITV is aiming for one of its biggest ever live audiences 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 on the English football calendar – and the Epsom Derby.
According to the MirrorITV could move the Derby, which usually airs at 4.30pm, to run it as a run-up to the Wembley final.
The time of the FA Cup final has yet to be determined, with a decision reportedly delayed until this weekend’s semi-finals.
Manchester City play Championship side Sheffield United on Saturday, while Manchester United will meet an in-form Brighton on Sunday.
The FA Cup final has been postponed to June due to the pause enforced by the World Cup
The Epsom Derby could reportedly be pushed back to run directly before the FA Cup final
The FA Cup final gets off to a late start after the interruption of the winter World Cup in Qatar at the end of last year.
That means it’s set on a collision course with the Epsom Derby, itself one of the most prestigious encounters on the annual racing calendar.
The report claims the derby could be pushed back to 4pm to allow the FA Cup final to run straight afterwards.
Last season’s FA Cup final kicked off at 4.45pm with Liverpool beating Chelsea.
ITV, which has a deal to show British horse racing until the end of 2026, would rule out any possibility of overlap given the size of the two events.
In addition to the Derby, ITV has the right to show over 100 days of live race coverage each year.
The Grand National, Cheltenham Festival and Royal Ascot, as well as the Derby, are all covered by the broadcaster.