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Under a new broadcasting deal, the Premier League’s long-standing 3 p.m. blackout rule could be scrapped by 2028, potentially ending a 60-year tradition.
The Premier League's 3pm blackout on Saturday fixtures could finally be removed after 60 years, according to reports from The Sun. The rule, which prevents live broadcasts of football matches during the 3pm slot, may be scrapped as part of new broadcasting agreements expected after the 2028-29 season.
A fresh four-year TV deal begins next year, but it does not include any changes to the blackout policy. However, the conclusion of this deal in 2029 could pave the way for significant reform to what many consider an outdated rule.
The blackout was introduced to protect attendance at Football League matches, ensuring fans would prioritize going to games in person rather than watching them on TV. However, recent EFL analysis suggests that live broadcasts have minimal impact on crowd numbers, undermining the blackout’s original purpose. With the Premier League broadcasting 270 matches per season under the new deal, the remaining 110 games locked behind the blackout remain a point of contention.
Critics argue that the blackout has contributed to the rise in piracy, with illegal streams offering fans access to matches that are otherwise unavailable. The availability of tools like "cracked Fire Sticks" has become widespread, allowing viewers to bypass the blackout entirely.
While the blackout isn’t disappearing immediately, fans can catch every midweek Premier League game this week, as they are being aired on Amazon Prime, avoiding the Saturday 3pm restriction.