Sky Sports is introducing new accessibility features for its Premier League coverage, starting with Manchester United's match against Tottenham on Saturday. The game at Old Trafford kicks off at 5:30pm, with live coverage beginning at 5pm.
New accessibility features for viewers
The broadcaster will offer Live Descriptive Audio Commentary and live subtitles throughout the action, designed to help blind fans follow the match. The features will allow supporters with visual impairments to stay informed about player movement, substitutions and refereeing signals.
The announcement comes two days after World Sight Day, which was held on Thursday, October 8. The annual global event raises awareness about blindness, visual impairment and the need for better eye care.
Rollout and availability
Live Descriptive Audio Commentary will be used for one match per week following the United vs Tottenham fixture. Live subtitles, however, will be a permanent addition, offered across around 210 matches per season.
The features have been integrated into Sky's existing system, and viewers can activate the Live Descriptive Audio Commentary through voice control. The decision was informed by customer feedback and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB), and the initiative was launched in collaboration with Guinness.
Reaction and match context
Sky's Karin Seymour said: "This partnership is a great example of how sponsorship can go beyond traditional brand activity and deliver something tangible for audiences."
"By co-funding the initiative with Guinness, Sky Media is bringing accessibility improvements to show how brands can use the scale of sports sponsorship to create a meaningful and lasting impact for fans."
Both teams are under pressure heading into the match. Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has managed just one win in the club's opening five league games, while Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has seen his side drop to the bottom of the Premier League table after the first two months of the season.
