A peak domestic UK TV audience of almost 8 million fans witnessed Newcastle United break a 70-year major domestic trophy wait to clinch the 2025 EFL Cup (Carabao Cup), defeating Liverpool 2-1. This victory marked a significant milestone for the club, bringing jubilant celebrations across the North East as they ended decades of disappointment.
The match, which unfolded on March 19, 2025, captured an average domestic TV audience of 6.3 million viewers across various platforms including Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, ITV1, and ITVX. The excitement surrounding the game was palpable, not only in the UK but also around the world, with millions more tuning in from 193 territories, showcasing the global appeal of English football.
EFL Chief Executive Officer, Trevor Birch, expressed his satisfaction with the event, highlighting the importance of the EFL Cup in the football calendar. "The attendance and viewership numbers for Sunday’s Final demonstrate the continued popularity of the Carabao Cup, and the value the competition holds in the football calendar for supporters up and down the country and across the world," Birch said.
The collaboration between Sky Sports and ITV played a crucial role in delivering the event. The two broadcasters shared coverage, ensuring that Sky Sports coverage, including pictures and commentary, was accessible on ITV and the streaming service ITVX, thanks to an agreement that began in January of this year. This innovative partnership allowed fans to engage with the semi-finals and final in a way that had never been done before.
Newcastle United's win has rekindled memories of their last major trophy win, the FA Cup in 1955. Fans from all over the region celebrated the achievement, filling the streets in joyous revelry. The win is seen as a turning point for the club under their current management, and many fans are optimistic about a bright future ahead.
This season’s impressive audience numbers were driven by a ground-breaking partnership between the League and Sky Sports, which allowed every match of the Carabao Cup to be broadcast live in the UK for the first time ever. This comprehensive coverage undoubtedly contributed to the spike in viewership numbers, solidifying the EFL Cup's place as a respected competition in the realm of English football.
The historic nature of Newcastle's cup victory resonates deeply with fans who have long waited for such a moment. The club's journey over the past decades has not been without trials, but with this achievement, the spirit of the team and its supporters shines brighter than ever.
As Newcastle United supporters continue to celebrate this momentous occasion, many are already looking to the future and wondering what this victory means not just for the club, but for the entire North East region. With a historic win under their belts, the club looks poised to build on this success in the seasons to come.
In a time when football brings people together, this triumph is a reminder of the power of hope and resilience, qualities that Newcastle United has embodied throughout their journey. As celebrations continue, the club’s fans cherish this significant victory and the hope it carries for more successes in the future.
