Premier League clubs are increasingly dissatisfied with the 3pm blackout rule, which has been in place since the 1960s and restricts them from earning more TV revenue by broadcasting matches. The rule has been in place to protect attendances, but it is seen as outdated in today’s modern age. There is now a growing push from clubs to modernize and potentially scrap the blackout. The news that all EFL matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports on the opening day of the 2024/25 season is seen as a significant step towards this change. However, UEFA statutes still prevent Premier League and Championship matches from being broadcast during the blackout period.
Premier League clubs argue that the blackout rule, which aimed to protect attendances, no longer applies to them as most matches are completely sold out. As a result, the club owners are eager to secure a larger share of the revenue from TV broadcasters. Despite the record number of live matches that Sky Sports will broadcast between 2025 and 2029, the revenue going to clubs remains relatively unchanged. The increasing influence of American owners in the Premier League is also fueling the push for more broadcasting of 3pm matches, as this slot is lucrative for US audiences, even though the blackout is regulated by UEFA.
The current Premier League TV contract, which excludes Saturday 3pm matches, is set until 2025. However, the next round of negotiations is scheduled for 2027, and there is mounting pressure to eliminate the 3pm blackout, open up the broadcasting market, and provide more viewing options for audiences paying high subscription fees. The recent announcement by Sky that they will increase the number of live matches by 70% shows a step towards change in the broadcast regulations. However, UEFA statutes still apply to the Premier League and limit the broadcasting of games during the traditional blackout timeframe.
The push to relax the 3pm blackout rule is gaining momentum, particularly following the EFL’s decision to broadcast all matches live on the opening day of the 2024/25 season. While the FA has the authority to apply for the removal of the blackout, the Premier League’s chief executive has expressed satisfaction with the current status. With pressure building from clubs and the changing broadcasting landscape, it is likely that the Premier League and FA will face increasing demands for a revision of the outdated rule. The influx of American ownership in the Premier League is also driving the movement towards more broadcasted matches.
The debate over the 3pm blackout rule is intensifying as clubs seek to maximize TV revenue and offer more viewing options to audiences. The changing landscape of broadcasting and the influence of American owners in the Premier League are contributing to the push for modernization. While the blackout rule was initially intended to protect attendances, it is now seen as a hindrance to clubs looking to enhance their financial opportunities. With the EFL leading the way in relaxing blackout restrictions, the pressure on the Premier League and FA to reconsider the rule is only likely to increase in the coming years. The next round of TV contract negotiations in 2027 will be crucial in determining the future of match broadcasting regulations in the Premier League.
