FOOTBALL League and Carabao Cup games could return to terrestrial television after ITV opened talks with rights holder Sky.

The PA news agency understands EFL clubs like Colchester United will be given the chance to vote on a proposal for the broadcaster to screen around 20 league and cup fixtures next season.

Sky has agreed a contract with the EFL worth £935million which runs until the end of the 2028-29 season and under which more than 1,000 matches will be shown live.

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But it is understood it has been in discussions with ITV over a deal which could see it recoup a small proportion of that with reports suggesting the junior partner could pay around £15million for its share of games, which would be broadcast simultaneously.

Clubs have already been contacted and could be asked for their views as early as next week.

The BBC announced a similar agreement with TNT Sports to screen 14 FA Cup matches a season free-to-air over a four-year period from 2025-26.

Gazette: Colchester United

Two Colchester games were screened live on Sky Sports, last month.

The U's vital final game of the season against Crewe Alexandra at the JobServe Community Stadium following hot on the heels of their trip to play Mansfield Town being shown on TV.

Colchester are set to feature at least 20 times on Sky Sports next season as part of a new deal.

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Match-going supporters of EFL clubs have been assured they will be given plenty of notice around changes to kick-off times, with more than 1,000 matches in all EFL competitions set to be shown live under its new deal with Sky Sports.

The EFL announced just over a year ago that it had signed a contract worth a total of £935million with the broadcaster to start in 2024-25 and run to the end of the 2028-29 season.