3pm Blackout To Be Scrapped In The Next Domestic Rights Deal?
The potential removal of the 3pm football blackout in the UK has stirred a mix of caution among stakeholders, optimism among broadcasters, and particularly among fans who would be the most impacted.
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According to multiple sources, the 3pm blackout in place for Premier League and EFL games could be scrapped within the next five years under the terms of a new broadcasting deal. There is a fresh four-year broadcasting deal beginning next year, and that does not include the option for the blackout to be removed. It will end upon the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, which could then see the blackout removed.
But from a fan’s perspective, removing the blackout could allow fans across the UK to watch all Premier League and EFL games live on TV or streaming platforms. This change could benefit fans unable to attend matches, especially those who live far from stadiums or cannot afford tickets.
On the other side of the river, Broadcasters could unlock new revenue streams by airing more matches during the prime 3pm slot. With increased TV rights value, leagues could reinvest in grassroots initiatives, youth development, and infrastructure that might also give more room for growth in Women’s Football.
The blackout has inadvertently driven fans to illegal streams, such as those accessed via "cracked Fire Sticks." Scrapping the blackout might reduce piracy by providing legitimate viewing options, and safeguarding the financial interests of leagues and broadcasters.
Despite studies showing minimal impact on crowd numbers, some fear that televising 3pm matches could deter fans from attending live games, especially at lower-league clubs. Maintaining stadium attendance is critical for preserving the atmosphere and financial health of smaller clubs which is the most important factor for clubs. This might also be a moment of concern for sponsors of such small teams that rely heavily on in-stadium attendance for their brand awareness and engagement.
While lifting the blackout may increase accessibility, the proliferation of subscription-based services (e.g., Sky Sports, Amazon Prime, TNT Sport) may make it challenging for fans to afford multiple platforms. This could leave some fans relying on illegal streams or missing games altogether.
Lower-league and non-league clubs could face greater competition from televised top-tier games, potentially reducing their ticket sales. Any policy change must account for the ripple effect on the football pyramid to ensure smaller clubs are not disproportionately harmed.
Without the blackout, kick-off times could spread across the weekend, as seen in Portugal. This could disrupt the traditional fixture schedule, making it harder for fans to follow multiple games or plan their matchday experiences. Broadcasters and leagues could innovate with interactive features like multi-camera angles, in-game statistics, or fan polls to create a richer viewing experience. This could deepen fan engagement and attract younger audiences.
The collective 3pm fixture list has been a cherished tradition. Scrapping the blackout risks eroding the "sporting spectacle" of fans collectively following a full slate of games and the drama of simultaneous kick-offs.
For fans who can't afford stadium tickets or multiple subscriptions, the removal of the blackout might not solve accessibility issues. Instead, it could create frustration, as televised matches might remain out of reach due to financial barriers.
Lastly, on a contrary note, the chair of the Football Supporters’ Association, Tom Greatrex, issued a statement to the PA news agency saying - “The FSA supports retaining the blackout for the health of the entire game, putting that above the whims of broadcasters.”
Hence, scrapping the 3pm blackout has both significant potential and risks. For broadcasters, it represents a lucrative opportunity to innovate and expand. For fans, it offers greater accessibility but also financial and logistical challenges. Policymakers must carefully weigh these factors, ensuring that changes benefit the football pyramid while protecting the traditions and accessibility that make football the world's game.
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