West Bromwich Albion vs Blackburn Rovers: Where to Listen and Watch on August 9, 2025

The eagerly anticipated English Championship Round 1 match between West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers is set to take place on Saturday, 9 August 2025, kick-off at 15:00 UK time (14:00 BST) at The Hawthorns. For football fans in the UK and beyond, multiple broadcast channels and platforms have comprehensive coverage, ensuring you don't miss any moment of this intense fixture.

The primary UK broadcast for radio listeners is BBC Radio 5 Live, featuring reporter Mike Minay, a veteran sports journalist known for his insightful commentary and extensive experience covering football and major sporting events.

Meanwhile, regional fans can tune in to specialised BBC local radio stations. BBC Radio Lancashire (FM) offers commentary with main commentator Andy Bayes and co-commentator Kevin Gallacher, a former Scottish international striker who brings valuable player insight following a successful football career including spells at Blackburn Rovers themselves. For listeners in the Midlands, BBC Radio WM (FM) provides coverage led by presenter Daz Hale, with main commentator Steve Hermon and co-commentator Tony Brown, who made his name as a solid forward notably with West Bromwich Albion in the 1970s and 80s, lending expert analysis.

ITV's English Football League Highlights will include post-match commentary by David Stowell, a seasoned broadcaster known for his engaging style and deep knowledge of the Championship, making ITV the go-to channel for television highlights and match reviews in the UK.

For viewers in the United States, the match is available via Paramount+, the streaming platform that holds the US rights for a wide range of EFL fixtures, providing live coverage with professional commentary.

Sky Sports subscribers can watch the match live on Sky Sports+ Channel or stream it via Sky Sports+ Stream, both featuring commentary by David Stowell. Sky Sports continues to be a dominant presence in British football broadcasting, known for expert punditry and high-quality live coverage.

Fans who prefer football talk radio can listen in on talkSPORT with reporter Geoff Peters. For more detailed match commentary, talkSPORT 2 and the talkSPORT App present coverage hosted by Olly Clink, with main commentator Ian Danter and co-commentator Perry Groves, the latter a former Arsenal player famed for his vibrant personality and football acumen.

Dedicated West Brom supporters can follow the match on WBA Radio and WBA TV, with commentary from Gez Mulholland and co-commentator Andy Johnson, delivering club-specific insights and passion that caters directly to fans’ interests.

Background on Key Commentators and Presenters

Mike Minay (BBC Radio 5 Live) is one of the BBC’s experienced sports reporters, regularly covering football and providing on-the-spot analysis with clarity. Andy Bayes (BBC Radio Lancashire) has become a trusted voice in regional football commentary, often bringing enthusiasm and detailed knowledge to Lancashire teams like Blackburn.

Kevin Gallacher offers a unique perspective having played in the Premier League and internationally for Scotland, allowing for expert tactical breakdowns during broadcasts. Steve Hermon and Tony Brown on BBC Radio WM combine professional commentary with historical insight, with Brown’s playing career at West Brom bringing authenticity to the analysis.

David Stowell is a familiar voice on Sky Sports and ITV, known for his detailed narration and expert commentary during EFL matches. Geoff Peters, Ian Danter, and former Arsenal forward Perry Groves are key figures on talkSPORT, blending knowledgeable reporting with engaging discussion.

Gez Mulholland and Andy Johnson serve West Brom fans through club media channels, providing detailed, club-centric coverage often missing from mainstream national broadcasts.

Match Context and Viewing Information

The meeting at The Hawthorns holds particular significance as both teams aim to start their 2025/26 Championship campaigns strongly. Historically, Blackburn Rovers have a slight edge with six wins to West Brom’s five across their head-to-head meetings, alongside five draws. Recent matches have seen high scoring affairs, with both teams capable of scoring goals – West Brom have scored 11 goals over their last five matches while Blackburn have netted 10 in the same span.

This fixture is available through multiple BBC local and national radio channels, major television broadcasters ITV and Sky Sports, and digital streaming platforms including Paramount+ (US) and talkSPORT’s digital offerings, ensuring broad access for fans across regions and globally.

For more details on the players and clubs, readers may explore official club websites like West Bromwich Albion and Blackburn Rovers. Additionally, official broadcaster sites such as BBC Sport provide live updates and expert analysis.