AFC Wimbledon v Walsall 2025 League Two Playoff Final: Where to Watch and Full Commentator Line-Up on Sky Sports, ITV & BBC

Football fans across Britain are in for a treat as the 2025 EFL League Two playoff final between AFC Wimbledon and Walsall hits Wembley Stadium on Monday, 26th May. The match kicks off at 15:01 UK time, and for those eager to catch every moment, a bumper selection of UK broadcasters and channels are offering comprehensive coverage. Whether you prefer in-depth analysis from Sky Sports, the latest from the region on BBC Midlands Today, or classic highlights on ITV, there’s a broadcast to suit every supporter’s taste.

The final is a marquee event in the English football calendar, marking the culmination of months of hard work for the four teams that battled through the playoffs. This year, AFC Wimbledon and Walsall have managed to navigate the high-pressure semi-finals, setting up what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the national stadium[1][2][3].

Where to Watch the 2025 League Two Playoff Final

UK viewers have a multitude of options for watching or listening to the AFC Wimbledon v Walsall clash – here’s a breakdown of the channels and personalities involved:

Sky Sports Football UK / HD, Sky Sports Main Event / HD, Sky Sports Main Event UHD: Sky Sports continues to be the home of live EFL playoff action, with the final shown across multiple channels for maximum reach. Gary Taphouse leads the commentary team, with Jobi McAnuff and Sam Parkin providing expert co-commentary. In the studio, pundits Jason Euell and Matty Fryatt offer pre-match, half-time and post-match analysis.
Sky Sports News / HD: For fans who want bite-sized updates and expert opinions, Jobi McAnuff and Sam Parkin continue their roles as pundits, sharing insights throughout the day.
ITV Football League Highlights: ITV remains the go-to for fans who want to catch up with the action in a highlights package. The main commentator is Gary Taphouse, with Sam Parkin and Jobi McAnuff providing expert analysis.
BBC Midlands Today: For regional coverage, especially in the Midlands, BBC Midlands Today will feature special match-day programming. Nick Clitheroe reports live from Wembley, bringing fans all the build-up and reaction from a local perspective.
talkSPORT 2 & talkSPORT App: Radio listeners are also catered for, with Hugh Woozencroft presenting and Ian Danter as lead commentator, supported by Chris Iwelumo in the co-commentator’s chair.

Meet the Faces Behind the Microphones

Familiar names and voices will be guiding viewers and listeners through every twist and turn of the AFC Wimbledon v Walsall showdown. Here’s a closer look at the key personalities:

Gary Taphouse: A seasoned broadcaster, Taphouse has become a fixture on Sky Sports’ EFL coverage. Known for his distinctive voice and insightful commentary, he has commentated on everything from Championship playoff finals to international friendlies. His career spans decades, making him a trusted voice for football fans across the UK.
Jobi McAnuff: As both a co-commentator and pundit, McAnuff brings a wealth of experience as a former professional footballer. The ex-Leyton Orient, Reading and Wimbledon player transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, and is now a regular on Sky Sports’ EFL coverage, offering tactical insight and on-the-ground experience.
Sam Parkin: Another former pro, Parkin enjoyed a long playing career with clubs including Swindon Town and Ipswich Town. Since retiring, he has built a strong reputation as a co-commentator and pundit, valued for his analytical approach and clear communication style.
Jason Euell: A former striker for Wimbledon and other clubs, Euell has become a well-respected pundit and coach. His deep knowledge of the lower leagues, especially the teams involved, makes his analysis particularly insightful.
Matty Fryatt: A former Walsall and Leicester City striker, Fryatt brings a unique perspective to the coverage, especially when discussing Walsall’s tactics and prospects. His punditry is informed by his own experiences in the EFL.
Nick Clitheroe: As a reporter for BBC Midlands Today, Clitheroe is a familiar voice to viewers in the region. His local expertise and ability to connect with fans make him a key part of the match-day experience.
Hugh Woozencroft: The lead presenter for talkSPORT’s coverage, Woozencroft is known for his engaging style and in-depth knowledge of football at all levels. He regularly hosts live commentary and special events for the station.
Ian Danter: Danter is one of talkSPORT’s most experienced commentators, with a long history of covering EFL matches. His partnership with co-commentator Chris Iwelumo is a favourite among radio listeners.
Chris Iwelumo: A former Scotland international and EFL striker, Iwelumo’s infectious enthusiasm and deep understanding of the game make him a popular choice for co-commentary duties.

The Teams: AFC Wimbledon and Walsall

The 2025 League Two playoff final sees two historic clubs vying for promotion to League One[1][3]. AFC Wimbledon, famously reformed by fans in 2002, have established themselves as a determined and community-focused side. Walsall, meanwhile, have a proud history and a passionate fan base, making this final a must-watch for supporters of both clubs.

For more on AFC Wimbledon’s remarkable journey, visit afcwimbledon.co.uk. To learn about Walsall’s rich history, head to saddlers.co.uk. For the latest on the EFL and League Two playoffs, check out the official EFL website.

What to Expect on Match Day

The build-up to the final will be comprehensive, with Sky Sports providing extensive pre-match coverage, including interviews, tactical analysis and insights from former players. Viewers can expect expert commentary from Gary Taphouse, Jobi McAnuff and Sam Parkin, as well as punditry from Jason Euell and Matty Fryatt. On ITV, fans can look forward to highlights of all the key moments, with expert analysis from the same team.

BBC Midlands Today will focus on local perspectives, with Nick Clitheroe reporting on the atmosphere and reaction from the stands. Radio coverage on talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT app will be presented by Hugh Woozencroft, with Ian Danter and Chris Iwelumo providing live commentary throughout the match.

Conclusion

The 2025 League Two playoff final promises high drama, expert commentary and comprehensive coverage across multiple UK channels. Whether you watch live on Sky Sports, catch the highlights on ITV, tune in to BBC Midlands Today for local insight, or listen on talkSPORT, you won’t miss a moment of the action from Wembley. With a stellar line-up of commentators and pundits guiding viewers through the highs and lows, this is the perfect way to experience the best of English football’s lower leagues.