THE Premier League is set for a major shake-up, with 25 more games set to be broadcast in the UK. The 3pm blackout is also expected to be discussed.
A series of changes to the already-packed football calendar will see at least 50 extra games televised. Officials have proposed an extra slot for Premier League action at 6:30pm on Sundays, meaning six games will be broadcast every weekend. In addition to the proposed increase in games on Sundays, the next TV agreement is set to make more fixtures available for Friday and Monday slots. However, this could cause controversy among fans – especially those traveling for away days.
The Community Shield final between Manchester City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium was brought forward by 90 minutes following a series of complaints from fans making the return journey to Manchester. There are also discussions surrounding the possibility of dropping the 3pm blackout in a bid to boost the women’s game. The TV football blackout law was introduced before the inception of the Premier League in 1992. It is a rule that prohibits any Premier League, Football League or FA Cup match from being broadcast on live television on Saturdays between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
However, the rules could be adjusted now to support the women’s game, with the Women’s Super League continuing to grow. According to The Telegraph, club executives gathered in London earlier this week to continue talks regarding a code or charter for what they hope will be the first billion-pound women’s football league. Baroness Sue Campbell – FA’s director of women’s football – believes the WSL needs “regular opportunities” in order to continue growing.
The proposed increase in televised Premier League games is a significant development for football fans in the UK. With 25 more games set to be broadcast, fans will have even more opportunities to watch their favorite teams in action. The additional slot on Sundays at 6:30pm will provide six games every weekend, giving fans more options to enjoy the sport they love.
However, this increase in televised games may not be welcomed by all fans, especially those who enjoy traveling to away games. The proposed Friday and Monday slots could disrupt the traditional matchday experience for these fans, as they may have to choose between attending the game in person or watching it on television. This could lead to a divide among fans and potentially impact the atmosphere at live matches.
One of the key discussions surrounding the Premier League shake-up is the potential dropping of the 3pm blackout. This rule, which has been in place since 1992, prohibits the broadcast of any Premier League, Football League, or FA Cup match on live television between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturdays. The aim of this blackout was to encourage attendance at live matches and protect the matchday experience. However, there is now a debate about whether this rule should be adjusted to support the growth of the women’s game.
The Women’s Super League has been gaining momentum in recent years, with increased interest and investment in women’s football. Dropping the 3pm blackout could provide more opportunities for women’s matches to be televised and reach a wider audience. This could help raise the profile of women’s football and attract more fans and sponsors to the sport. The discussions among club executives about a code or charter for a billion-pound women’s football league highlight the ambition and potential for growth in women’s football.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, has emphasized the importance of regular opportunities for the Women’s Super League to continue growing. By increasing the number of televised games and potentially adjusting the 3pm blackout rule, the Premier League can play a significant role in supporting the development of women’s football in the UK.
In conclusion, the Premier League is set for a major shake-up with 25 more games set to be broadcast in the UK. The proposed increase in televised games and potential adjustments to the 3pm blackout rule have sparked discussions among fans and officials. While this development provides more opportunities for fans to watch their favorite teams, it also raises concerns about the impact on the matchday experience and the potential divide among fans. However, the potential benefits for the growth of women’s football cannot be ignored, as dropping the 3pm blackout could provide more exposure and opportunities for the Women’s Super League to thrive. It will be interesting to see how these discussions unfold and the impact they have on the future of football in the UK.