UK pay-television broadcaster BT Sport has opted to extend its partnership with the Football Conference, which comprises the three divisions below the English Football League.
The new agreement will run for three years, from the 2015-16 season until 2017-18. It will take effect to coincide with the rebranding of the Conference to the National League.
Under the deal, BT Sport will continue to broadcast live coverage of matches in the National League. The new deal will also include the broadcast of a weekly highlights programme.
In addition, BT Sport will provide financial support to the NLTV Broadcasting Academy, a new initiative that will launch as part of the National League’s new NLTV broadcasting company.
The initiative will enable students from across the UK to gain media training and experience during league matches.
The National League said its NLTV arm aims to launch a “very affordable” internet subscriber portal in 2016.