Channel 4 strikes three-year deal to show live England Hockey internationals

• Channel 4 announced as Official Broadcast Partner for the Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH) Hockey Pro League
• First match features England women vs China on Sunday (1st December)
• Deal makes top-tier international hockey action free to UK audiences
• Matches available across Channel 4 platforms including YouTube and streaming services

England Hockey internationals will be available live and for free on Channel 4 platforms for the next three years.

Hockey fans will be able to follow England’s men and women’s teams as they set their sights on the EuroHockey Championships in 2027 which will be hosted in England.

England Hockey today announced the new partnership with Channel 4, unveiling the broadcaster as the Official Broadcast Partner for the FIH Hockey Pro League. This ground-breaking three-year deal, running until 2027, will make top-tier international hockey action free and accessible to audiences across the UK.

From December 2024, Channel 4 will become the home of the FIH Hockey Pro League, offering coverage of all England men’s and women’s matches alongside top tier neutral match ups. Fans can tune in on Channel 4’s platforms, starting with its YouTube channel, ensuring unparalleled access to the most competitive global leagues in hockey.

The FIH Hockey Pro League, features the world’s top nine men’s and women’s national teams and is a showcase of international hockey at its finest. 

Each year, England hosts a leg of the league in London, and the 2024 edition is set to run from 14–22 June at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre. England will take on elite teams from the Netherlands, Germany, Australia, Argentina, and India in a series of matches which promise thrilling action for both die-hard hockey enthusiasts and newcomers to the sport.

Nick Pink, CEO at England Hockey said: “This partnership marks a pivotal moment for hockey in England. Channel 4’s reach and innovative approach to sports broadcasting make them the ideal partner to bring the FIH Hockey Pro League to life, allowing fans across the UK to experience the thrill of international hockey for free. We’re excited to work together to inspire the next generation of players and fans.”

Peter Andrews, Head of Sport at Channel 4, said: “We’re delighted to bring the FIH Hockey Pro League to Channel 4 audiences. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase one of the world’s most exciting sports to a wider UK audience. 

“Our commitment to delivering accessible, high-quality sports coverage means hockey fans and new viewers alike can enjoy the very best of international hockey for free. We look forward to seeing the drama unfold and supporting England’s teams as they compete on the global stage.”

England Hockey’s mission is to make hockey more visible, relevant, and accessible, and this collaboration with Channel 4 is a significant step toward achieving that goal. By leveraging Channel 4’s expertise in broadcasting world-class sporting events, including their acclaimed coverage of the Paris Paralympic Games, the partnership aims to attract new audiences and showcase the energy and excitement of international hockey to homes across the UK.

The partnership comes at a key moment for England’s national teams as they build toward major international tournaments, including the EuroHockey Championships in 2027 which will be hosted in England. With free-to-air coverage of the FIH Hockey Pro League, the deal provides a vital platform to rally support for England’s teams as they build to the EuroHockey finals in Summer 2027. 

The FIH Hockey Pro League action begins on 1 December 2024, when the England women face Olympic silver medallists China at 11.30am GMT, while the England men’s team kick off their campaign in Argentina from 11–15 December, with matches against Argentina and Ireland.

All the England team action will be available on Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.