Sky Sports will continue to show Football League matches until the end of the 2008/09 season. The new deal, which also covers the Carling Cup, the LDV Vans Trophy and the play-offs, is reported to be worth around £110 million, up 40% on the previous contract.

The satellite broadcaster will show more than 100 live matches per season, while ITV's The Championship and regional highlights programmes will also continue.

Football League chairman Sir Brian Mawhinney is pleased with the deal: "This tremendous news caps what has been an enormously encouraging season for the Football League. Crowds have increased yet again, as have viewing figures and we are also delivering on the promise we made to increase our clubs' commercial revenues.

"Sky Sports are a class act and this new agreement is recognition of the outstanding entertainment our clubs provide their viewers week-in, week-out throughout the season."

Vic Wakeling, managing director of Sky Sports, said: "The Football League continues to go from strength to strength and attendances are at their highest in 45 years - reflecting the huge interest in the game at all levels and emphasising the League's importance in the sporting fabric of this country.

"In Sky's comparatively brief history, we have covered every one of the 72 Football League clubs live, home or away, in cup or league. We look forward to continuing this in-depth coverage over the next four years.

"We think this deal is good for football and good for Sky Sports subscribers."

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