In a groundbreaking move, TNT Sports is set to revolutionize the way fans experience the Premier League this season. Starting with Manchester United’s visit to Hull on Saturday, the network will make the first 30 minutes of their live Premier League broadcasts available on YouTube, marking a significant departure from traditional broadcasting methods.

As part of this innovative approach, the pre-Premier League show ‘EKO – Early Kick Off’ will be available free-to-air for the first time, in addition to its usual broadcast on TNT Sports and the popular streaming service HBO Max. This show, presented by Liam MacDevitt or Olivia Buzaglo, will kick off at 11 am and feature the early team news from the game, which is released 75 minutes before kick-off, as well as the pre-match thoughts of TNT’s main pundits, including the likes of Steven Gerrard and Joe Cole.

The Saturday lunchtime live games, which kick off at 12.30 pm live on TNT and HBO Max, will also be preceded by the ‘EKO’ show. However, in a notable change from last season, TNT’s coverage of an 8 pm Saturday kick-off will now begin with an ‘EKO’ programme starting at 6.30 pm. This new approach will allow fans to get an early glimpse into the action, discuss wider issues such as transfers and new players, and get a better understanding of the teams and players involved.

According to Scott Young, an executive vice-president at the parent company, Warner Bros Discovery Europe, this move is designed to reach more football fans earlier in the day and cater to their changing viewing habits. ‘TNT’s coverage is evolving, and this will help us reach more football fans earlier in the day,’ he said. ‘We have a large number of loyal subscribers, but it’s also important to reach fans off-platform. I think everyone is really looking forward to the return of the Premier League, especially after the excitement generated by the World Cup.’

By making the ‘EKO’ show available on YouTube, TNT Sports is taking a significant step towards embracing the changing media landscape and catering to the diverse needs of its audience. This move is expected to have a positive impact on the network’s viewership and engagement, as well as providing fans with a more comprehensive and immersive experience.

The Premier League is one of the most popular and highly-anticipated sporting events in the world, attracting millions of fans across the globe. With TNT Sports’ innovative approach to broadcasting, fans can expect to get even closer to the action and experience the excitement of the Premier League like never before.

In addition to the ‘EKO’ show, TNT Sports will also be offering match previews and other exclusive content to its fans. By providing a wide range of engaging content, the network is aiming to create a more interactive and immersive experience for its audience, setting a new standard for sports broadcasting in the process.

As the new season gets underway, fans can expect to see a significant increase in the quality and quantity of content available from TNT Sports. With its commitment to innovation and fan engagement, the network is well-positioned to take the Premier League to new heights and provide an unforgettable experience for football fans around the world.