Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford fans criticise Sky Sports for disregarding match-going fans

Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford fans criticise Sky Sports for disregarding match-going fans by changing the date to televise their match.

This week saw a huge batch of fixtures announced for broadcast, listings up until the beginning of October 2026, however, supporters have since taken to social media to voice their concerns.

The fixture concerned is Sheffield Wednesday v Bradford City, with the League One clash switched from Saturday 22nd of August to Thursday 20th of August.

SWFC Trust is disappointed to learn that our opening home fixture of the season against Bradford City, originally scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 22nd August, has been moved to 8pm on Thursday 20th August.

What should have been a fantastic and exciting opportunity for supporters…

— Sheffield Wednesday Supporters’ Trust (@SWFCTrust) July 3, 2026

SWFC Trust said: “SWFC Trust is disappointed to learn that our opening home fixture of the season against Bradford City, originally scheduled for 3pm on Saturday 22nd August, has been moved to 8pm on Thursday 20th August.

“What should have been a fantastic and exciting opportunity for supporters to come together and celebrate the opening home game of the season, and the beginning of a new era under the club’s new ownership, has instead become a fixture that many fans will now struggle to attend.

“The change will undoubtedly impact families with young children, supporters with work commitments, and many travelling fans, including those making the journey from Bradford. A Saturday afternoon fixture would have provided a far more accessible occasion for supporters of both clubs.

“We urge @SkySports and other broadcasters to give greater consideration to the needs of match-going supporters when scheduling fixtures. Football simply wouldn’t exist without its fans, and they deserve to be at the heart of these decisions.

“We share the frustration of many supporters who were looking forward to celebrating the start of the new season together and hope that future scheduling decisions better reflect the interests of those who regularly attend matches.”

Kris Wigfield: “I agree with every word of this.

“But English football can’t really have it both ways.

“The Premier League became the richest league in the world because of huge TV deals. Championship clubs have also gladly accepted television money that generally outweighs any loss of gate receipts from fixture changes.

“The bigger question is League One.

“Clubs with 20,000+ crowds are making the same compromises for TV, yet central distributions fall from roughly £10-13m in the Championship to around £2m in League One. Over a season the financial benefit is questionable.

“That’s where the debate should be. If supporters are expected to sacrifice traditional Saturday 3pm football, more of the money generated by the game should be flowing further down the pyramid.”

I agree with every word of this.

But English football can’t really have it both ways.

The Premier League became the richest league in the world because of huge TV deals. Championship clubs have also gladly accepted television money that generally outweighs any loss of gate… https://t.co/ALMLNwRJcG

— Kris Wigfield (@kr62209) July 3, 2026

Latest EFL and Carabao Cup TV selections revealed by Sky Sports and ITV for up until October

As mentioned, Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford fans criticise Sky Sports for disregarding match-going fans…

@1969owl: Its put a real dampener on what has so far been a real positive pre season. A lot will struggle to get to this fixture. It will still be amazing with 30k plus there. But it should’ve been so different. A proper day of celebration

@Beavertown1978: Lets get some flags and banners made up. Sure the Bradford fans would do the same.

@electrical84138: First home game should not be on a Thursday, especially for what will be a yorkshire derby and full house. Sly sporting arse wipes

@The5herriff: It will keep happening all season. Trust must work with the club to prevent this. The Saturday 3pm kick offs should be protected at all costs. We’ve lost 2 already. There should be no more for the rest of the season. The trust is here to work with the club to stop this.

@sneakunique: They really do not care about the fans at all. They will say we are showing an extra 120 games this season. What they won’t say is we are costing fans and clubs so much in atmosphere, accessibility and support. Sky cares about sky and that’s it.

@PaulGre47516038: When did Thursday become a day to play a match on? Monday yes, Fridays yes, Thursday which bright spark @SkyFootball thought that was good idea

@R_i_c_h_a_r_d80: City fan here… Many of us are not happy this being moved. That 5/6 of that won’t attend now for various reasons. Sky sports, the football League, the FA do not give a s*** about the fans. It’s all about £££

@dannyboyowl1983: I’m gutted. I can’t go. We live in Scarborough. It was my weekend off work, me and my 10 year old was so looking forward to going to the first game of the season, but I can’t make it now because I’m at work that day.

@tom1867swfc: They (Sky) dont give a flying f about the fans. This has put a big dampener on it. I can’t make this now and you know what? They’ll probably call us Sheffield, just to stick it in. Tossers.

@LS6Owl: Absolutely zero consideration for the fans. Seriously, who the fuck plays a league game on a Thursday night? First home game and a Yorkshire derby for this is taking the piss. At least move it a weekend when most fans are able to travel. @SkySports get in the bin. #SWFC