The BBC has signed a new two-year deal with the National League, allowing its local stations to commentate live on Vanarama National League, National League North and National League South matches.
The agreement means the BBC can cover all three divisions to the end of the 2021/22 season.
The BBC’s local radio stations already provide commentary, analysis and pre and post-match shows for most Premier League and EFL games each week. Each of the corporation’s 39 local stations routinely provides commentary of multiple teams.
Stephanie Marshall, Head of Sport for BBC England, said: “Being able to listen to live sport at home is extremely important in these difficult times. Now, perhaps more than ever, football can help to bring people together, and we’re proud to be a part of that.
“We know how vital this service is to our listeners across England and we are delighted to extend this partnership with the National League for a further two seasons.”
Matches that are covered will be aired on the BBC’s local frequencies, BBC Sounds or the BBC Sport website.
The leagues involved in this deal comprise 67 teams in total – 24 in the National League, 22 in National League North and 21 in National League South.
Michael Tattersall, Chief Executive Officer of the Vanarama National League, said “The National League is delighted to renew its rights agreement with BBC Local Radio.
“Our clubs value the services provided by their local BBC station, and with matches set to take place behind closed doors for the opening months of the season, the BBC’s live commentaries will enable fans to access coverage of our games.”
One station to benefit from the deal is BBC Radio Nottingham, which will cover all Notts County FC games in the coming seasons.
Colin Fray, Sport Editor at BBC Radio Nottingham, said: “BBC Local Radio will once again be bringing the drama and passion of the National League to supporters in their local areas, and around the world.
“National League clubs are often focal points of their local communities, sometimes bringing joy and excitement, sometimes disappointment. Covering Notts County last season we had plenty of that on BBC Radio Nottingham, and we’re excited to be able to bring supporters and listeners commentary on every Notts County game home and away across the coming season.”
The deal also benefits Welsh listeners as it covers National League team Wrexham.
Along with coverage of the National League, BBC Local Radio provides extensive live commentaries, match reports and phone-ins across the Premier League, the Championship, League One and League Two as well as the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, the Carabao Cup and the FA Trophy.
*Main image @Official_NCFC Notts County will continue to receive coverage from the BBC.
