Watford FC’s Hive Live match streaming service is back for the 2022/23 season, albeit with updated EFL guidelines on who can access which games when compared with our last Sky Bet Championship campaign.

With the vast majority of matches played behind closed doors in 2020/21, broadcast regulations were relaxed and UK-based supporters could watch a large number of fixtures during our promotion-winning season.

This time around, the ability for us to stream video domestically (includes UK, Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and Isle of Man) is reduced due to the reinstatement of the Saturday 3pm blackout which bars the live broadcast of domestic fixtures in this country. However, we will still be able to bring live video coverage of occasional Championship games to domestic supporters via watfordfc.com and the club app.

Overseas supporters, on the other hand, can look forward to seeing the majority of our fixtures this coming 2022/23 season.

Which Games Will I Be Able To Watch Domestically?

• All scheduled midweek & Bank Holiday league matches, unless selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports
• All league matches moved from Saturday 3pm to midweek for non-TV purposes
• Any league matches played on December 10 and 17 (due to lifting of Saturday 3pm blackout for World Cup quarter-finals and third-place play-offs), unless selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports

Which Games Will I Be Able To Watch Overseas?

• All league matches, provided they haven’t been selected for international TV broadcast in the territory you reside

What Does That Mean For August?

• Sheffield United (H), Monday August 1, 8pm KO: no video stream due to Sky Sports broadcast
• West Bromwich Albion (A), Monday August 8, 8pm KO: no video stream due to Sky Sports broadcast
• Burnley (H), Friday August 12, 8pm KO: no video stream due to Sky Sports broadcast
• Birmingham City (A), Tuesday August 16, 7.45pm KO: video stream available to domestic & overseas supporters
• Preston North End (A), Saturday August 20, 3pm KO: video stream only available in specific overseas territories due to international TV broadcast
• QPR (H), Saturday August 27, 3pm KO: video stream available to overseas supporters only
• Middlesbrough (H), Tuesday August 30, 8pm KO: no video stream due to Sky Sports broadcast

How Will Hive Live Look?

We won’t be broadcasting pre-match and post-match studio shows, as we did in 2020/21, however coverage is likely to start approximately 15 minutes before kick-off and will come courtesy of long-standing Watford commentator Jon Marks and a special guest match summariser. Matches are typically produced to at least a four-camera standard.

How Much Will It Cost?

Live video streaming passes will cost £10 per match for domestic and overseas supporters (fixed fee applicable across the EFL). Subscription packages will be available to overseas supporters, costing £140 (seasonal early bird rate, rises to £170 on September 1) and £25 (monthly).

How About Audio Commentary?

The EFL does not permit the free online broadcast of audio commentary, however an audio-only Hive Live subscription will be available for all Championship games domestically, costing £45 (seasonal) and £4.50 (monthly).

Can I Watch Pre-Season Friendlies?

As a trial run, a video stream including full commentary and match replays will be available for the friendly against Southampton at Wealdstone FC (Saturday July 23, 3pm KO) for £5. Further information on when and how to purchase a match pass will be provided in due course.

How Can I Find Out More?

More details relating to the 2022/23 Hive Live service will be published on club channels soon.

Sync Your Calendar!

Click HERE to sync your online/mobile calendar with all Watford’s 2022/23 fixtures. The calendar adjusts to your time zone and will automatically update throughout the season, so you’ll never miss a match!

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