As someone who grew up watching live sports on traditional TV, the evolution of digital streaming in recent years has completely reshaped how fans engage with their favourite teams. For many in the UK, Sky Sports has long been the go-to for premier sporting content.
But in 2024, something changed for the better. Sky Sports+ entered the scene, offering unprecedented access to even more live games, tournaments, and sporting action at no extra cost to existing subscribers.
With its seamless integration into existing Sky platforms and availability across multiple devices, Sky Sports+ is designed for the modern sports viewer.
Whether it’s watching EFL matches on a phone during the commute or catching up on ATP tennis on the Sky Q box at home, the service makes sports more accessible than ever.
So, what exactly is Sky Sports+? How can you watch it across different devices? And what makes it such a game-changer in the UK sports broadcasting landscape?
Let’s explore it all in this detailed guide.
What Is Sky Sports Plus?
Sky Sports+ is a new streaming extension available to users with the full Sky Sports pack. Launched in August 2024, it enhances the Sky Sports experience with over 50% more live events and a new dedicated live channel.
Sky Sports+ brings something revolutionary to the platform. Users now have access to more than 1,000 live English Football League (EFL) games, every Carabao Cup fixture, men’s Rugby Super League matches, and more than 100 tennis tournaments across the ATP, WTA, and US Open circuits.
- Includes access at no extra cost for full Sky Sports pack holders
- Delivers up to 100 concurrent live streams
- Offers exclusive early access to sports documentaries
- Replaces Sky Sports Arena as a dedicated live sports channel
- Offers seamless access via Sky Q, Glass, Stream, NOW, Virgin Media, and the Sky Sports mobile app
This move by Sky brings value and variety to fans, ensuring they’re never short of live sporting entertainment. It also highlights Sky’s commitment to streaming innovations, such as improved personalisation, ‘Recap’ functionality, and smoother access across platforms.
What Does Sky Sports Plus Include in Its Sports Coverage?
Sky Sports+ isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about high-quality, diverse sports content across football, tennis, rugby, and golf.
Key Sporting Events on Sky Sports+
| Sport | Coverage Details |
| EFL Football | All 72 clubs featured in 1000+ live games |
| Carabao Cup | Every fixture shown live |
| Rugby Super League | All matches from the men’s competition |
| Tennis | ATP, WTA, US Open tournaments |
| Golf | PGA Tour and DP World Tour events |
| Documentaries | Exclusive early access to Sky Originals |
These streams are not limited to a single device. Whether you prefer watching on your TV, laptop, tablet, or mobile, Sky Sports+ ensures that content is accessible when and where you want it.
The service is designed with fans in mind, including features like real-time highlights, pause and rewind, and even a recap feature now expanded to include EFL matches.
How To Watch Sky Sports Plus on TV Platforms Like Sky Q, Sky Glass & Stream?
Watching Sky Sports+ on your television is straightforward if you’re subscribed to the full Sky Sports package.
Supported TV Platforms
- Sky Q: Simply navigate to the Sky Sports channels. Sky Sports+ is included as part of your regular subscription. The live streams are accessible via the main menu.
- Sky Glass and Sky Stream: These internet-based platforms integrate Sky Sports+ natively. Streams are easy to access through the “Watch” or “Sports” sections.
- Virgin Media TV 360 and Flex: Subscribers with the full Sky Sports pack can access the Sky Sports+ channel and selected streams.
Features on TV
- Watch live EFL matches, Rugby Super League, ATP, WTA tournaments
- Enjoy up to 100 live streams at the same time
- Pause, rewind, and recap are available
- Enhanced navigation to your team’s match using personalisation
Sky Sports+ works as an enhancement, not a replacement. It uses your existing TV setup and Sky login to give you more content through the same familiar interface.
How To Watch Sky Sports Plus on the Sky Sports App?
The Sky Sports app is the heart of mobile and on-the-go viewing. With Sky Sports+, the app now includes even more content and interactivity for users.
Getting Started
- Download the Sky Sports app on your device: Available on iOS (iPhone & iPad) and Android
- Sign in using your Sky ID
- Navigate to the ‘Watch’ section to see all available Sky Sports+ live streams
Key App Features
- Personalisation tools let users follow their favourite teams and competitions
- Match reminders and notifications
- Interactive scores and stats section
- Two-device simultaneous streaming
- Streams do not use data for Sky Mobile customers
Whether you’re on a commute or watching from bed, the app gives you the flexibility to never miss a moment. It also supports most smartphones and tablets, though it’s not yet compatible with gaming consoles.
What About Watching Sky Sports Plus on Laptops and Desktops?
Sky Sports+ extends its accessibility to laptops and PCs via the Sky website and dedicated video player.
Step-by-Step for Desktop Access
- Visit the Sky Sports website
- Log in with your Sky ID
- If prompted, download the Sky Desktop Video Player (v7.0.0)
- Install and launch the player
- Navigate to live streams through the Sky Sports+ channel
Download Links
| Platform | Link Type |
| Windows | Sky Desktop Video Player |
| Mac | Sky Desktop Video Player |
You’ll be able to watch all included Sky Sports+ live content on your laptop, including match replays, on-demand sports documentaries, and more.
What Do Existing Sky Sports Customers Need to Access Sky Sports Plus?
Sky Sports+ is available at no extra cost to users who already subscribe to the complete Sky Sports pack.
Access Scenarios
| Type of Subscription | Access to Sky Sports+ |
| Full Sky Sports Pack | Full access |
| Individual Sports Packs | Upgrade required |
| Sky+ HD Customers | Limited access (mobile only) |
| Sky Q / Glass / Stream | Full access |
If you only have individual sports channels (like F1 or Premier League), you won’t get full access to Sky Sports+. In that case, upgrading is necessary.
How Does Sky Sports Plus Work with Virgin Media, BT, TalkTalk & NOW?
Sky Sports+ has expanded to work with other providers, though access varies by platform.
Compatibility with Other Providers
| Provider | Sky Sports+ Access |
| Virgin Media | Full access on TV 360 / Stream |
| BT TV | Access via NOW app |
| TalkTalk | Access via NOW app |
| NOW TV | Available on Sports Membership (Day & Month) |
NOW TV users now get pause and rewind functionality, a first for this platform. Those with older boxes like Virgin V6 or Sky+ can only access the linear Sky Sports+ channel.
What Are the Internet and Device Requirements for Watching Sky Sports Plus?
Sky Sports+ relies heavily on streaming technology, so having the right internet speed and device compatibility is essential for smooth viewing.
Recommended Internet Speeds
| Streaming Quality | Recommended Speed |
| Standard Definition (SD) | 3 Mbps |
| High Definition (HD) | 25 Mbps |
| Ultra HD (UHD) | 30 Mbps |
Device Compatibility
- Supported: Sky Q, Sky Glass, Sky Stream, Virgin TV 360, NOW app, Android/iOS smartphones, tablets, Windows, Mac
- Not supported: Gaming consoles, Sky+ HD boxes (limited)
Sky Sports+ can support up to six registered devices per Sky ID, with two concurrent streams allowed at any one time.
What Is the Difference Between Sky Go and Sky Sports Plus?
Although they both serve Sky content on the move, Sky Sports Go and Sky Sports+ are not the same.
Sky Go
- Platform for watching live and on-demand Sky content
- Access to Sky Sports channels (with subscription)
- Not all Sky Sports+ streams are available
Sky Sports+
- Adds new live streams and a dedicated channel
- Offers broader coverage of sports like EFL, Rugby, Tennis
- Fully integrated with Sky Sports mobile app, not Sky Go
Sky Go is great for watching traditional channel broadcasts, but the enhanced multi-stream content of Sky Sports+ is available primarily through the Sky Sports app and TV devices.
How To Stream Multiple Events and Use the Pause & Rewind Feature on Sky Sports Plus?
Sky Sports+ was designed to cater to fans who want control and flexibility while watching live sports.
Features to Enhance the Experience
- Up to 100 simultaneous live streams
- Pause and rewind live TV (supported on NOW and Sky devices)
- Recap feature extended to EFL matches
- Customised stream recommendations based on teams followed
- Real-time multi-sport scores and fixtures panel
These features elevate the way users consume sports, offering more immersion and less friction compared to traditional broadcasts.
Sky Sports Broadcast Schedule on Wednesday, 13th August
Football – Carabao Cup (First Round)
| Fixture | Kick-Off Time | Channel |
| Barnsley vs Fleetwood Town | 19:45 | Sky Sports+ |
| Bolton Wanderers vs Sheffield Wednesday | 19:45 | Sky Sports+ |
| Cheltenham Town vs Exeter City | 19:45 | Sky Sports+ |
| Huddersfield Town vs Leicester City | 19:45 | Sky Sports+ (Starts at 19:35) |
| Birmingham City vs Sheffield United | 20:00 | Sky Sports Football (19:30) |
Cricket – The Hundred
| Fixture | Time | Channels |
| Southern Brave vs Northern Superchargers (Women) | 11:00 | Sky Sports Main Event / Cricket |
| Southern Brave vs Northern Superchargers (Men) | 14:30 | Sky Sports Main Event / Cricket |
| Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals (Women) | 14:55 | Sky Sports Mix |
| Welsh Fire vs Manchester Originals (Men) | 18:00 | Sky Sports Main Event / Cricket |
Tennis – Cincinnati Open
| Time | Channels |
| 16:00 | Sky Sports+, Sky Sports Tennis |
| 21:30 | Sky Sports Main Event |
Conclusion
Sky Sports+ has arrived at a time when viewers demand more access, greater flexibility, and enhanced experiences. It brings together all the best parts of traditional and digital sports broadcasting in one seamless package.
Whether you’re following your football team across the EFL, catching ATP tennis or rewinding a Super League try, Sky Sports+ puts the power in your hands.
It’s not just another add-on. It’s a reimagining of what a sports subscription should offer in 2025 and beyond.
FAQs
Is Sky Sports+ a separate subscription service?
No, Sky Sports+ is included at no extra cost for full Sky Sports subscribers.
Can I access Sky Sports+ through my Sky Q box?
Yes, if you have the full Sky Sports pack, you can access all Sky Sports+ streams via your Sky Q interface.
How many devices can be used with the Sky Sports app?
You can register up to six devices, but only two can stream simultaneously.
Do I need to download anything to watch on desktop?
Yes, Mac and Windows users must download the Sky Desktop Video Player to stream content.
Does Sky Sports+ work with NOW TV?
Yes, it is available with both Day and Month Sports Memberships on NOW TV.
Will watching Sky Sports+ use my mobile data?
No, Sky Mobile users can stream Sky Sports+ without using their data allowance.
What content can I expect on Sky Sports+?
Sky Sports+ includes live coverage of EFL, Carabao Cup, Rugby Super League, ATP/WTA tennis, and exclusive documentaries.
