How to Watch Premier League Live in the UK: TV Channels and Apps
Want to watch Premier League live in the UK? Discover the best TV channels, streaming platforms, and mobile apps like Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.
The Premier League is the most popular and widely watched football league in the world, and nowhere is it followed more passionately than in its home country the United Kingdom. With 20 teams battling it out over 38 game weeks, fans across the UK are always eager to watch the action unfold live. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, knowing how to watch the Premier League live in the UK is essential. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore all the TV channels, apps, and streaming platforms that offer access to live Premier League matches.
Official Broadcasters of the Premier League in the UK
Premier League broadcast rights in the UK are divided among three main providers: Sky Sports, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), and Amazon Prime Video. Each has exclusive rights to a selection of matches, and together they cover the full season. Here's what each provider offers:
1. Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the largest broadcaster of Premier League games in the UK. For the 2024/25 season, Sky Sports holds the rights to broadcast 128 live matches. This includes some of the biggest fixtures of the season, including Sunday afternoon games, Monday Night Football, and Friday night matches.
To watch Premier League games on Sky Sports, you’ll need a Sky TV package that includes the Sky Sports channels. Alternatively, fans can access Sky Sports via the Sky Go app, which allows subscribers to stream matches live on mobile devices, tablets, or computers. For those who don’t have a long-term Sky contract, the Now TV (NOW) Sports Membership is an excellent alternative, offering day or monthly passes to stream all 11 Sky Sports channels without a contract.
2. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport)
TNT Sports is the second major broadcaster of Premier League football in the UK, showing 52 matches live during the 2024/25 season. Their coverage often includes early Saturday kick-offs and a selection of midweek matches. TNT Sports is also the exclusive home of UEFA competitions in the UK, including the Champions League, making it a valuable subscription for football fans.
To access TNT Sports, you can subscribe through providers like BT, EE, Sky, or Virgin Media. Alternatively, you can stream games using the discovery+ app, which now hosts all TNT Sports content. discovery+ offers various packages, including monthly passes that don’t require a long-term commitment.
3. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video continues to be a growing player in the Premier League broadcasting scene. Although it covers fewer matches than Sky or TNT Sports, Amazon has exclusive rights to stream 20 matches each season. These typically include entire midweek rounds in December and around the festive period, providing viewers with back-to-back live matches over two days.
To watch Premier League matches on Amazon Prime Video, all you need is an Amazon Prime membership. You can stream matches live through the Prime Video app on smart TVs, mobile devices, game consoles, and web browsers. Amazon also offers a 30-day free trial, which can be useful during busy football periods like the holiday season.
Streaming Options and Mobile Apps
Streaming live Premier League matches in the UK is easier than ever thanks to the official apps provided by broadcasters. Whether you prefer watching on your TV, tablet, smartphone, or laptop, these apps ensure you can follow the action wherever you are. Here are the main apps and how they work:
1. Sky Go
Sky Go is the companion app for Sky TV subscribers, allowing users to watch live Sky Sports broadcasts on the go. Once logged in with your Sky credentials, you can stream live Premier League matches on your phone, tablet, or computer. The app also includes match highlights, on-demand replays, and notifications for your favorite teams.
2. discovery+
discovery+ is the streaming home of TNT Sports content, including Premier League matches. The app works across most devices and platforms, including smart TVs, tablets, smartphones, and web browsers. With a subscription, you can stream TNT’s live coverage, watch replays, and access highlights and interviews. The interface is easy to use, and you can set match reminders and favorite clubs for a personalized experience.
3. Prime Video
Prime Video’s app provides seamless access to Amazon’s Premier League matches. The interface is intuitive and supports features like rewinding live matches, streaming in HD, and switching between multiple matches during multi-game days. The app is available on a wide range of devices including Fire Stick, Smart TVs, iOS, Android, and web browsers.
4. NOW App
The NOW app (formerly Now TV) is ideal for those who want Sky Sports without a long-term commitment. You can purchase a Sports Day or Monthly Membership and watch Premier League games via the app. It's available on iOS, Android, smart TVs, consoles, and more. The NOW app offers the same Sky Sports channels as a full Sky subscription but with the flexibility of no contract.
Can You Watch Premier League for Free in the UK?
While most live matches require a subscription, there are limited opportunities to watch Premier League content for free. The BBC often shows match highlights on its flagship program, Match of the Day, airing Saturday and Sunday nights. You can also catch up on highlights via the BBC iPlayer app or website.
Sky Sports also posts short match highlights on their website and YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle. Amazon Prime Video typically offers free replays and match summaries, while clubs also post extended highlights on their official websites and social channels.
Occasionally, a select Premier League match may be broadcast for free as part of promotional campaigns, but this is not common practice. If you're looking for full live coverage, a paid service is generally necessary.
Which Option Is Best for You?
Choosing the best way to watch the Premier League in the UK depends on your preferences and budget. Here are a few scenarios to help you decide:
- If you want the most matches: A Sky Sports subscription (or NOW Sports) will give you access to the majority of Premier League fixtures.
- If you value European football too: TNT Sports via discovery+ offers both Premier League and UEFA Champions League coverage.
- If you’re cost-conscious: Amazon Prime Video offers good value with its 20 games and a broad entertainment library.
- If you want flexibility: The NOW app is great for fans who prefer not to commit to long-term contracts and want to watch on select matchdays.
Conclusion
The Premier League is a must-watch for football fans in the UK, and with a wide array of TV channels and apps available, there’s no shortage of ways to catch the action live. Whether you prefer watching on the big screen at home or streaming on the go, services like Sky Sports, TNT Sports (via discovery+), and Amazon Prime Video have you covered. With the right combination of subscriptions and apps, you can enjoy every goal, save, and dramatic moment of the Premier League season from wherever you are.
