There’s something about a club that refuses to fade. When Bury FC were expelled from the English Football League in 2019, many assumed it was the end. But in 2025, the Shakers are back at Gigg Lane, competing in the Northern Premier League and giving fans more ways to follow them live than ever before.
Club founded: 1885 ·
Home stadium: Gigg Lane, Bury ·
Current division: Northern Premier League Premier Division (2025/26) ·
Most famous player: Bobby Charlton ·
Ownership status: fan-owned (Bury FC Supporters Society)
Quick snapshot
- Bury FC has permission to live stream all home fixtures this season (Bury FC – official streaming update)
- Overseas supporters can watch home games live (Bury FC – official streaming update)
- Season-ticket holders get free access to streams (Bury FC – official streaming update)
- Whether every fixture will get permission from the visiting club
- Exact live stream availability for all fixtures in 2025/26
- Permanent broadcast partner status
- Stream quality guarantees for all matches
- Streaming kicked off with the home game against Stalybridge Celtic
- All home league games expected to be broadcast (subject to opposition permission)
- Club promises early communication if a match cannot be streamed
Seven key facts about the club, from its foundation to its current league standing.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Bury Football Club |
| Nickname | The Shakers |
| Founded | 1885 (Wikipedia – Bury FC history) |
| Ground | Gigg Lane, capacity 11,840 (Wikipedia – stadium info) |
| Current manager | Andy Welsh (as of 2025) |
| League | Northern Premier League Premier Division (Northern Premier League official site) |
| Major honours | FA Cup winners 1900, 1903 (The FA – FA Cup winners list) |
How to watch Bury FC live?
Bury FC is one of the few non-league clubs offering a structured, paid live-stream service – but it’s still at the mercy of visiting-club permission and the 3pm blackout for UK fans.
International live stream options for Bury FC matches
Overseas supporters can watch every home game live without restrictions, according to the club’s streaming update. UK-based fans can only access evening home matches due to the 3pm Saturday blackout rule that applies to the Northern Premier League. For non-season-ticket holders, each stream costs £7.29 (including VAT and fees) – a price set by the club and confirmed on its Bury FC live stream guide.
Matchday access at Gigg Lane
If you’re near Bury, nothing beats being at Gigg Lane. Tickets for home matches start from around £10–15 depending on the fixture, with season tickets available for members. The club’s matchday page lists up-to-date prices and availability. For live score updates without attending, Sofascore – Bury FC live scores provides real-time stats and line-ups.
How to access a live stream: step-by-step
- Go to the club’s ticket page.
- Select the fixture you want to watch.
- Choose the streaming option (if available) and enter payment and contact details.
- Receive confirmation by email or SMS with the stream link.
- Season-ticket holders: enter the 5-letter reference code from your season-ticket receipt in the promo-code box for free access.
- The stream opens in a browser (compatible with Chrome, Edge, Safari). A download speed of at least 10 Mbps is recommended for best quality.
After the match, highlights are often posted on the club’s Bury FC YouTube channel within 24 hours.
The implication: Bury FC’s streaming model turns a league-mandated blackout constraint into a digital offering that prioritises payer access over broadcast exclusivity.
What is the current status of Bury FC?
A club that was expelled from the EFL and nearly disappeared now runs its own professional live-stream operation from the ninth tier of English football.
Bury FC after expulsion from the English Football League
In August 2019, Bury FC were expelled from the English Football League after financial and ownership crises made the club unable to complete its fixtures. The long-term sporting and commercial damage was severe. However, a fan-led campaign succeeded in rescuing the club (EFL – official expulsion statement).
Re-establishment and current league
Bury FC reformed under the Bury FC Supporters Society fan ownership model and joined the Northern Premier League for the 2020–21 season. They now play at Gigg Lane, their historic home, in the Northern Premier League Premier Division table – the seventh tier of English football.
The implication: Bury FC is a rare example of a post-expulsion rebirth that has kept its identity and ground while rebuilding from the bottom up. The live-streaming initiative is a direct result of the fan-owned model prioritising supporter access.
Who owns Bury FC now?
Fan ownership gives the club stability, but it also means commercial decisions (like streaming permissions) rely on goodwill from other clubs and league authorities.
Fan ownership model of Bury FC
Bury FC is owned by the Bury FC Supporters Society, a community benefit society that holds the club’s shares. This fan-owned structure was established after the 2019 expulsion, as documented on the Bury FC ownership page. The society ensures members have a vote on major decisions, including ticketing and streaming policies.
The pattern: the same ownership model that saved the club now enables its digital-first approach. Season-ticket holders get free streams, and the club can set its own pricing without a parent company taking a cut.
The catch: that same fan ownership structure means every streaming permission decision depends on goodwill from visiting clubs and league authorities beyond the society’s control.
Confirmed facts
- Bury FC expelled from EFL in 2019 (Wikipedia – EFL expulsion)
- Club re-formed under fan ownership in 2020
- Home matches at Gigg Lane since 2021 (Wikipedia – Gigg Lane)
- FA Cup wins in 1900 and 1903
What’s unclear
- Exact live stream availability for every fixture in 2025/26
- Whether all visiting clubs will grant streaming permission
- Permanent broadcast partner status
- Stream quality guarantees for all matches
- Long-term sustainability of the streaming revenue model
“We are pleased to announce that we have permission to live stream our home fixtures for the 2025/26 season. Overseas supporters can watch home games live again.”
Bury FC – official streaming update
“Bury FC is now a community-owned club, run by the supporters for the supporters. Every decision about matchday access and streaming is made with our members in mind.”
Bury FC Supporters Society representative – ownership page
Bury FC’s revival is a story of resilience, but the streaming service remains fragile: it depends on opposition permission and blackout compliance. For overseas fans, the offer is clear: follow every home game for a modest fee. For UK supporters, the 3pm blackout still limits Saturday afternoons, but evening matches are covered. For more live football coverage, check out our match analysis of Brentford vs Nottm Forest – Match Result and Full Analysis.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Bury FC live stream free?
No, the standard pay-per-view price is £7.29. However, season-ticket holders get free access to all streams that are available within the UK.
What league is Bury FC in now?
Bury FC plays in the Northern Premier League Premier Division, the seventh tier of English football (NPL league table).
Can I watch Bury FC matches on TV?
Bury FC matches are not broadcast on traditional TV. The club streams home games via its own TicketCo platform.
How do I buy tickets for Bury FC?
Tickets are available online at the club’s ticket page or at the ground on matchday. Prices start from around £10–15.
What time is the Bury FC game today?
Kick-off times vary. Check the club’s fixture list at buryfc.co.uk/fixtures for today’s match time.
Who scored for Bury FC today?
For live updates, follow @BuryFCOfficial on Twitter or use Sofascore for live scores. Match reports appear on the club site after full-time.
Are Bury FC still a professional club?
Bury FC operates as a semi-professional club in the Northern Premier League. Players are not full-time professional, but the club retains its professional infrastructure including live streaming and matchday operations.
Charlotte Hayes is Live Events & Festivals Correspondent at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering concerts, festivals, tours, venues and UK live music culture.