‘Defining moment’ – Major broadcast decision made for Millwall vs West Ham Championship clash

Millwall’s Championship derby at home to West Ham on Saturday September 19 will be available to watch for free.

The Lions’ failure to secure promotion to the Premier League combined with West Ham’s relegation meant the hotly-anticipated London derby was one of the first games marked on calendars of fans and neutrals alike.

And while Championship matches are usually only available to watch on Sky Sports, it was confirmed on Tuesday that the clash at The Den will be free for all to watch on ITV.

The game is one of five lunchtime Championship matches that the broadcaster will show between now and the end of the year.

Middlesbrough’s game against West Brom on Saturday August 29 will be the first to be shown on ITV.

Following Millwall’s clash with West Ham, another derby will be available for all to watch.

Southampton’s welcome of fierce rivals Portsmouth is the midday clash on Sunday October 11 in what is expected to be a must-watch affair.

The East Lancashire Derby between Burnley and Blackburn Rovers at Turf Moor on Sunday November 22 also makes the cut.

And ITV’s run of 2026 games comes to an end on Saturday December 19 as Birmingham City host West Ham.

ITV & Sky merger

The announcement comes after weeks after Sky agreed to acquire ITV Media and Entertainment.

“Sky, one of Europe’s leading media and connectivity companies and part of Comcast Corporation, today announces that it has agreed terms to acquire ITV Media & Entertainment from ITV plc for a total consideration of up to £1.6 billion (subject to adjustment for cash, debt and net working capital), comprising £1.2 billion in cash, Love Productions, and up to £0.2 billion in performance-related earn-out, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals,” a statement read at the start of July.

“This is a defining moment for British media and an opportunity to build a stronger future for two of the UK’s most loved and trusted brands,” Sky Group CEO Dana Strong said.

“We have huge respect for the transformation the ITV team has delivered, particularly its successful move into streaming through ITVX, which has brought fantastic British content to millions of viewers across the UK.

“Bringing Sky and ITV Media & Entertainment together combines the very best of free-to-air television, pay TV and streaming, ensuring viewers across the UK continue to enjoy outstanding British programming in a rapidly changing world.

“ITV will remain a public service broadcaster at the heart of British life, and we’re excited about the future we can build together.”

ITV will show a total of ten Championship matches this season, along with live coverage of the 2027 Carabao Cup semi-finals and final.