How to Watch the Carabao Cup Final for Free: TV Channel, Live Stream and Kick-Off Time
Football fans without a Sky Sports subscription will be able to watch the Carabao Cup final between Arsenal and Manchester City for free this Sunday, thanks to a special broadcasting deal. This showpiece event is a repeat of the 2018 final, promising high-stakes action for supporters across the UK and beyond.
ITV and Sky Broadcasting Agreement
A sub-licensing deal, agreed in 2024, allows a selection of EFL and Carabao Cup matches to be broadcast on terrestrial television alongside Sky Sports' extensive coverage. This arrangement includes Sunday's final, ensuring broader access for viewers.
Length of Deal: The current broadcast arrangement runs until the end of the 2026/27 season. This means fans can rely on the final being available on terrestrial TV for at least one more year after Sunday's event.
Cost of Deal: The sub-licensing deal is reportedly worth approximately £15 million. This additional revenue from ITV helps bolster the financial distribution to all 72 EFL clubs, supporting the broader English football pyramid beyond the Premier League.
Coverage Details and Start Times
Coverage on ITV and STV begins at 3.30pm with interviews and analysis. The match itself kicks off at 4.30pm, providing ample build-up for the highly anticipated clash.
UK Streaming Options: Fans 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, offering flexibility for viewers on the go.
Sky Sports' Role and Additional Coverage
While ITV provides the free-to-air alternative, Sky, as the primary rights holder, continues to broadcast every single match of the tournament live across its various channels and the Sky Sports+ platform. Build-up begins on the Sky Sports Football channel at 3.30pm, while Sky Sports Main Event will also show the match following the conclusion of the relegation six-pointer between Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
International Viewing and Radio Coverage
US Viewers: The game is exclusive to Paramount+. The streaming service will begin its coverage at 11.30am ET. While it requires a subscription, new users can often take advantage of a seven-day free trial to catch the final.
UK Radio: Coverage will be provided by BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT. Both stations will offer full live commentary, build-up, and post-match reaction, catering to fans who prefer audio broadcasts.
This comprehensive setup ensures that supporters have multiple ways to enjoy the Carabao Cup final, whether through free TV, streaming, or radio, making it accessible to a wide audience across different platforms.
