Where to Watch Sunderland vs Coventry City: Sky Sports and BBC Radio Lead Championship Playoff Coverage

Football fans across the UK and beyond are gearing up for a thrilling Championship playoff clash between Sunderland and Coventry City on May 13, 2025. The match, kicking off at 20:00 UK time, will be broadcast live on multiple platforms, with Sky Sports and BBC Radio Newcastle leading the coverage for British audiences.

Sky Sports' Comprehensive Coverage

Sky Sports will be the primary broadcaster for this crucial playoff encounter, with their coverage airing across multiple channels including Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Main Event, and Sky Sports Main Event UHD. The presentation team will be led by experienced host David Prutton, who has become a familiar face on Sky's EFL coverage since retiring from playing.

In the commentary box, Gary Weaver will take the lead with support from co-commentators Don Goodman and Jobi McAnuff. Weaver has established himself as one of Sky's most reliable football voices, while Goodman brings over 20 years of broadcasting experience following a playing career that included spells at West Brom and Sunderland. McAnuff, the former Reading and Leyton Orient midfielder, has quickly become a respected analyst since moving into punditry.

The studio panel features an impressive lineup of former players with connections to both clubs. Michael Bridges, who played for Sunderland between 1999-2004, will be joined by Kevin Phillips, the Black Cats' legendary striker who scored 130 goals for the club. Completing the trio is George Boateng, the former Coventry City midfielder who made over 150 appearances for the Sky Blues between 1997-1999.

Pitchside reporting will be handled by Jonathan Oakes, who has been a regular presence on Sky's EFL coverage for several seasons. Sky Sports News will also provide updates throughout the evening, with Jobi McAnuff and Keith Downie contributing analysis and breaking news.

BBC Radio Newcastle's Local Perspective

For Sunderland supporters preferring radio commentary, BBC Radio Newcastle will provide comprehensive coverage with their familiar commentary team of Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett. Barnes has been the voice of Sunderland on local radio for over two decades, while Bennett brings his vast experience as a former Black Cats defender (1984-1995) to the co-commentary role.

International Broadcast Options

International viewers have several options to catch the action. In the United States, CBS Sports Network and Paramount+ will carry the match with a presentation team led by Adam Hunt. The studio panel includes former Wycombe Wanderers striker Adebayo Akinfenwa, ex-West Ham and Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker, and former Leeds United forward Mike Grella. Veteran reporter Geoff Shreeves, best known for his long tenure with Sky Sports, will provide updates from the ground.

Other international broadcasters showing the match include beIN Sports in Australia and the Middle East, DAZN in Canada, ESPN in Africa and the Caribbean, and SuperSport in sub-Saharan Africa.

TalkSPORT's National Radio Coverage

For those wanting national radio coverage, talkSPORT and the talkSPORT App will have the game with Adrian Durham presenting. Durham has been a mainstay of talkSPORT's football coverage since 1999 and is known for his passionate and opinionated style.

The Importance of the Occasion

This Championship playoff semi-final represents a huge opportunity for both clubs. Sunderland, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2017, are looking to continue their revival under manager Tony Mowbray. Coventry, meanwhile, are aiming to return to the top flight for the first time since 2001, when they were relegated after 34 consecutive seasons in the old First Division/Premier League.

The playoff format, often described as the most lucrative game in football, offers the winners a potential £170 million windfall from Premier League promotion, making the stakes incredibly high for both clubs.

Conclusion

With comprehensive coverage across multiple platforms, football fans won't miss a moment of this crucial Championship playoff clash. Whether watching on Sky Sports, listening to BBC Radio Newcastle, or following via international broadcasters, the Sunderland vs Coventry City match promises to be a thrilling encounter with Premier League dreams on the line.