Friday 8 May 2026 offers a quiet evening for football fans in the UK, with only two live matches scheduled across all major broadcasters. The action centres on the EFL Championship play‑offs and the Scottish Premiership play‑off quarter‑finals. No Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup games are on today, but the weekend ahead promises a packed schedule.
What Football is on TV Today in the UK?
Today’s televised football is limited to two matches, both kicking off in the evening. The highest‑profile game is the Championship Play‑off Semi‑Final first leg between Hull City and Millwall, broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports. Earlier in the evening, BBC Scotland shows the second leg of the Scottish Premiership Play‑off Quarter‑Final between Arbroath and Dunfermline.
Hull City vs Millwall – Championship Play‑off Semi‑Final (1st Leg)
8:00 PM BST, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR
1 match – Hull City vs Millwall. Sky holds the rights to over 1,000 EFL games this season, including all play‑offs.
No live matches today. TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) is active for Premier League and Champions League fixtures, but none are scheduled for 8 May.
1 match – Arbroath vs Dunfermline on BBC Scotland, also available via BBC iPlayer (free with TV licence).
Key Insights for Today
- Total live matches on UK TV: 2
- Most represented competition: EFL Championship play‑offs (1 match) and Scottish Premiership play‑offs (1 match)
- Peak viewing time slot: 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM BST, when both matches overlap
- Subscription vs free‑to‑air: 1 match requires a Sky Sports subscription; 1 match is free‑to‑air on BBC Scotland
- No Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup fixtures today
- UEFA Europa League semi‑final second leg took place on 7 May (TNT Sports) – no carry‑over to today
- Saturday 9 May will see at least two Premier League games: Liverpool vs Chelsea (12:30 PM, TNT Sports) and Newcastle vs West Ham (5:30 PM, Sky Sports)
Snapshot: Live Football Broadcasts (8–9 May 2026)
| Date | Total Matches | Broadcasters | Notable Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 May 2026 | 2 | BBC Scotland (1), Sky Sports (1) | Hull City vs Millwall (Sky Sports, 8 PM) |
| 9 May 2026 | 2+ | TNT Sports (1), Sky Sports (1) | Liverpool vs Chelsea (TNT, 12:30 PM) |
What Time Are Today’s Football Matches on TV?
Both matches are evening kick‑offs. All times are BST (British Summer Time). No afternoon games are scheduled today, and there is no 3pm blackout to consider because today is Friday.
| Time (BST) | Match | Competition | Channel | Subscription Required? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:30 PM | Arbroath vs Dunfermline | Scottish Premiership Play‑off Quarter‑Final (2nd Leg) | BBC Scotland | No (free‑to‑air) |
| 8:00 PM | Hull City vs Millwall | Championship Play‑off Semi‑Final (1st Leg) | Sky Sports Main Event / Football / Ultra HDR | Yes (Sky Sports) |
Which Channels Are Showing Live Football Today?
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the primary broadcaster for the EFL play‑offs. Today it carries Hull City vs Millwall live on three channels: Main Event, Football, and Ultra HDR. Sky holds exclusive rights to over 1,000 EFL and Carabao Cup games this season. Subscribers can watch via Sky Go, and non‑subscribers can use NOW TV (Day pass £14.99, Month pass £34.99). For a full schedule, visit the Sky Sports watch football page.
TNT Sports
No live football on TNT Sports today. The service, available via discovery+ Premium (£30.99/month), covers Premier League and UEFA Champions League fixtures. The previous day’s Europa League semi‑final second leg was shown on TNT, but no matches carry over to 8 May.
BBC
BBC Scotland broadcasts Arbroath vs Dunfermline at 7:30 PM, free‑to‑air. The match is also available on BBC iPlayer. The BBC also holds rights to select FA Cup and Women’s Super League games. You can check all upcoming BBC football fixtures on the BBC Sport scores and fixtures page.
ITV and Others
ITV has no live football today but shares EFL and FA Cup rights. Amazon Prime, Viaplay, DAZN, Premier Sports, and LaLigaTV are not broadcasting live football in the UK today.
While Sky Sports and TNT Sports dominate subscription football, free‑to‑air coverage today is limited to a single match on BBC Scotland. The weekend will bring more free‑to‑air options via BBC and ITV for selected FA Cup and international fixtures.
How to Watch Live Football on TV Today
Traditional TV
- Sky Sports subscribers: Tune in to Sky Sports Main Event, Football, or Ultra HDR for Hull City vs Millwall.
- BBC viewers: Watch Arbroath vs Dunfermline on BBC Scotland (free‑to‑air).
Streaming Options
- Sky Go / NOW TV: Sky subscribers can use Sky Go; non‑subscribers can buy a NOW TV Day or Month pass. No contract required.
- BBC iPlayer: Stream the Scottish play‑off live for free (requires a UK TV licence).
- discovery+: No TNT Sports games today, but the Premium pass (£30.99/month) grants access to all TNT Sports content.
- Amazon Prime Video: No matches today, but select Premier League games are available later in the season.
For a comprehensive daily listing of all live football on UK TV, Live Football on TV provides an updated schedule. Another useful resource is WherestheMatch, which offers a tabular date‑based view.
If you only want to watch today’s Sky Sports match without a full subscription, NOW TV’s Day pass (£14.99) is the most cost‑effective option. No commitment is required, and you can cancel anytime.
Are There Any Free‑to‑Air Football Matches Today?
Yes, one match is available free‑to‑air: Arbroath vs Dunfermline on BBC Scotland at 7:30 PM BST. It is also streamed live on BBC iPlayer. No other free‑to‑air channels (BBC One, BBC Two, ITV) are showing live football today.
The 3pm blackout rule – which prohibits live broadcasting between 14:45 and 17:15 on Saturdays – does not apply today because it is Friday. That means the evening matches go ahead without restriction.
On Saturdays, no live football can be shown on UK TV between 14:45 and 17:15 BST. This rule does not affect today’s Friday schedule, but it will come into play tomorrow if matches fall within that window.
What Is the Full Timeline of Today’s Football Broadcasts?
The two matches are sequenced close together. Below is the chronological order with kick‑off times and channels.
- 7:30 PM BST – Arbroath vs Dunfermline – Scottish Premiership Play‑off Quarter‑Final (2nd Leg) – BBC Scotland (free)
- 8:00 PM BST – Hull City vs Millwall – Championship Play‑off Semi‑Final (1st Leg) – Sky Sports Main Event, Football, Ultra HDR (subscription)
No other time blocks (morning, afternoon, or late evening) have live football today.
What Information About Today’s Football Schedule Is Certain vs. Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Both matches are confirmed fixtures with fixed kick‑off times | Late changes due to cup replays or TV picks are possible |
| Sky Sports is the exclusive broadcaster for Hull City vs Millwall | Final squads and line‑ups are not published until matchday |
| BBC Scotland is the sole free‑to‑air broadcaster today | Streaming platform availability may shift if rights change |
| No Premier League, Champions League, or FA Cup games today | Rescheduled games could be added at short notice |
Kick‑off times are generally reliable but should always be double‑checked on the official broadcaster’s website. The TNT Sports football scores centre and Sky Sports app provide real‑time updates.
Why Do These Matches Matter Today?
The Championship play‑off semi‑final between Hull City and Millwall is the first leg of a two‑leg tie that will determine one of the finalists for promotion to the Premier League. Both clubs finished in the top six of the Championship table, and the winner of the play‑off will face either the winner of the other semi‑final or a team from the regular season’s third‑place spot. The match is broadcast on Sky Sports as part of its exclusive EFL play‑off package.
The Scottish Premiership play‑off quarter‑final second leg features Arbroath and Dunfermline. The winner advances to the semi‑final against a Premiership side, with a place in the top flight at stake. BBC Scotland’s free‑to‑air coverage ensures wide access for Scottish football fans.
Where Do Today’s Football Listings Come From?
The schedules for today’s matches are sourced from official broadcasters and reputable UK football TV guides. Below are representative statements from the main providers.
“We have the latest football fixtures, results, and live scores for all leagues.”
BBC Sport – Scores & Fixtures page
“View complete listings of football on TV in the UK.”
Live‑FootballOnTV.com homepage
“Dates, times and channels for live Football on Sky Sports.”
Sky Sports – Watch Football on TV page
“Never miss another Football match. Find the 2026 fixtures with up‑to‑date results.”
TNT Sports – Football Scores & Fixtures
These sources are updated regularly to reflect any changes in broadcasting rights or match scheduling.
What Is the Key Takeaway for Today’s Football on TV?
For Friday 8 May 2026, UK football viewers have two live matches to choose from: the Championship play‑off clash between Hull City and Millwall on Sky Sports at 8 PM, and the Scottish play‑off between Arbroath and Dunfermline on BBC Scotland at 7:30 PM. One match requires a subscription; the other is free‑to‑air. Tomorrow, Saturday 9 May, the Premier League returns with at least two high‑profile games – Liverpool vs Chelsea (12:30 PM, TNT Sports) and Newcastle vs West Ham (5:30 PM, Sky Sports).
For a complete overview of the full weekend schedule, consult the Live Football on TV guide, which aggregates all UK broadcasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch today’s football matches on my mobile?
Yes. Use Sky Go (Sky Sports subscribers) or BBC iPlayer (free) to stream the matches live on mobile devices.
What is the 3pm blackout and does it affect today’s football?
Today is Friday, so the 3pm blackout does not apply. The blackout only prohibits live broadcasts on Saturdays between 14:45 and 17:15 BST.
Are there any matches on free‑to‑air TV today?
Only Arbroath vs Dunfermline on BBC Scotland (7:30 PM BST). It is also available on BBC iPlayer.
Do I need a subscription to watch football on TV today?
One match (Hull City vs Millwall) requires a Sky Sports subscription. The other match is free‑to‑air on BBC Scotland.
Where can I find a full weekly schedule of football on TV?
Sites such as live‑footballontv.com, wheresthematch.com, and the official broadcaster schedules provide weekly overviews.
How often are TV schedules updated?
TV schedules are typically updated 2–3 weeks in advance, but matches may be added or moved due to cup replays or broadcasting decisions.
Why is there no Premier League football today?
Premier League games are primarily scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays. Today is Friday, and the next PL matches are tomorrow (9 May).
What is the best way to watch the Hull City vs Millwall match without Sky?
Use NOW TV’s Day pass (£14.99) to stream the match live – no long‑term commitment needed.
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Toby Marsh is Senior Reporter at StoryNative.uk, covering breaking showbiz and entertainment stories across the UK.