When Exeter City Football Club learned that their home clash with Plymouth Argyle Football Club would be moved to Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 20:00 UTC, the buzz in St James Park was palpable. The change, driven by a three‑way consultation that included Devon & Cornwall Police and a final selection by Sky Sports, turns the regional rivalry – known locally as the Devon Derby – into a prime‑time showdown on national television.
Background to the Devon Derby
The two clubs sit roughly 35 miles apart in the ceremonial county of Devon, a distance that feels more like a stone's throw when the rivalry is spoken about in local pubs. Exeter City was founded in 1901, while Plymouth Argyle traces its roots back to 1886. Over a century of league battles, cup upsets and fan‑driven banter have cemented the derby as one of the most passionate in England's third tier.
Historically, the match alternates between Exeter’s St James Park and Plymouth’s Home Park. This season, the first meeting was slated for a Saturday afternoon on October 25, but safety concerns raised by local police after a recent crowd‑control incident prompted the clubs to explore an earlier kickoff.
Television rights and scheduling shuffle
Sky Sports holds exclusive broadcast rights to all League One matches in the United Kingdom, a deal worth roughly £85 million a year through the 2028‑29 season. The broadcaster is allowed to "live‑select" up to six weeks of fixtures in advance, a clause that has become a lever for reshuffling dates whenever a marquee clash promises higher viewership.
According to the official EFL fixture list released in June 2025, the Derby originally appeared on October 25 at 15:00 UTC. After the police consultation, both clubs agreed to a 12:30 UTC slot for that Saturday, but Sky Sports exercised its right to pull the match into the Thursday primetime window. The final schedule – confirmed in Exeter City’s October announcement – lists a 20:00 UTC kickoff on Thursday, October 23, with coverage on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Ultra HDR.
Other League One fixtures also entered the television‑selection window: Bolton Wanderers vs Cardiff City, Mansfield Town vs Wigan Athletic on October 25, Port Vale vs Stockport County on October 27, and a double‑header featuring Bradford City vs Lincoln City and Mansfield Town vs Plymouth Argyle on October 28.
What fans can expect on Thursday night
- Kick‑off: 20:00 UTC (8 p.m. UK time) at St James Park, Exeter.
- Broadcast platforms: Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Football, Sky Sports Ultra HDR, and the Sky Sports+ streaming service.
- Ticketing: Exeter City’s website says details will be released “closer to the date.” Expect a modest allocation for away fans, given the limited capacity after the Thursday move.
- Security: Both clubs have pledged additional stewarding, citing the earlier police consultation.
Club chairmen have already hinted at a “family‑friendly” atmosphere, with Exeter’s director of football noting, “We want a safe, vibrant night that showcases the best of Devon football to a national audience.” Plymouth’s manager echoed the sentiment, adding, “The Derby always brings extra intensity; playing under the lights will be a treat for the supporters.”
Broader implications for League One broadcasting
The Thursday night slot signals Sky Sports’ strategy of front‑loading high‑profile fixtures before the weekend rush. By moving the Derby ahead of the typical Saturday slate, the broadcaster hopes to capture viewers who might otherwise switch to Premier League coverage.
Analysts at The Guardian point out that the move could set a precedent for future mid‑week selections, especially for regional rivalries that promise strong local ratings. However, the EFL maintains that no further broadcast‑driven changes will occur before the FA Cup third round weekend (10‑11 January 2026), giving clubs a window of scheduling stability.
Financially, the £85 million rights package translates into roughly £1.4 million per club per season when spread across the 72 League One teams. A prime‑time slot like this can boost a club’s commercial profile, potentially attracting new sponsors and increasing merchandise sales.
Looking ahead: Future fixtures and TV windows
Exeter City’s next televised encounter comes after the Derby, when they host Burton Albion on November 22 at a 12:30 UTC kickoff – also earmarked for Sky Sports+. Meanwhile, Plymouth Argyle will have another chance to showcase their brand in a live slot against Mansfield Town on October 28.
The current TV selection period runs through the third round of the FA Cup. After that, the EFL will re‑evaluate the schedule and may open another round of adjustments, but clubs and police forces have agreed to keep the calendar steady until then.
For supporters, the key takeaway is simple: mark your calendars, secure tickets when they go on sale, and be ready for a night of fierce Devon pride under the lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Devon Derby moved from Saturday to Thursday?
The clubs, after consulting with Devon & Cornwall Police over crowd‑control concerns, agreed to an earlier slot. Sky Sports then exercised its live‑selection right, opting for a Thursday primetime slot to maximise audience reach.
How can fans buy tickets for the Thursday match?
Exeter City said ticket details will be released closer to the match date via their official website and the club’s ticketing partners. Fans are advised to watch the site in early October for the first wave of sales.
Will the match be shown live outside the UK?
Sky Sports International holds the rights for overseas broadcasts, so the game will be available on the network’s global streaming platform for fans in Europe, Asia and the Americas, subject to local subscription packages.
What does the TV deal mean for League One clubs financially?
The £85 million agreement splits roughly £1.4 million per club each season, but clubs that land prime‑time slots can earn extra revenue through higher sponsorship fees and increased merchandising during the broadcast.
Are there any other televised Derby fixtures this season?
Yes. Later in October, Plymouth Argyle will host Mansfield Town on a Sky Sports+ slot, and Exeter City’s November clash with Burton Albion will also be live on Sky Sports. Both matches are expected to draw sizable regional audiences.
