Channel 4 loses NFL rights

Channel 4 has lost the rights to broadcast coverage of the NFL in the UK after the two parties failed to agree terms on a new deal.

The broadcaster poached the NFL from the BBC in 2013 in a two-season deal that saw it broadcast 17 games a year, including the Super Bowl and the two games held at Wembley.

Host of Channel 4's coverage, Vernon Kay, first broke the news on Twitter, writing: "4 all those asking @Channel4 have decided NOT to show ANY NFL this year... An alternative will be found. Such a shame."

A Channel 4 spokeswoman later confirmed to Broadcast: "Channel 4 and the NFL have not been able to agree a deal for the upcoming season."

Sky continues to hold the lion's share of NFL games in the UK, with 80 live matches a season including the playoffs and the showpiece finale.