Premier League enthusiasts in the UK typically expect to watch most, if not all, matches during the holiday season.
This is usually facilitated by staggered kick-off times over Christmas and New Year, allowing the maximum number of games to be broadcast live. This differs from the standard season where a ‘blackout’ prevents live broadcasts of Saturday games starting at 3pm local time.
However, The Athletic reports that this year, an exception has been made to lift the UK broadcast blackout on two specific days: December 27 and January 3, coinciding with the 18th and 20th gameweeks. This means Premier League matches starting at 3pm on these Saturdays may be aired, if needed.
The term ‘may’ is crucial, as sources familiar with the situation—who spoke anonymously—indicate that the Premier League will likely not use this opportunity to broadcast any scheduled 3pm matches in the UK.
Understanding the 3pm Blackout
The 3pm blackout restricts live broadcasts of matches between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturdays, a measure that originated in the 1960s and has been upheld since the mid-1980s. Its primary aim is to protect attendance at lower-league matches by preventing competition from televised games. This policy has also contributed to the rise in illegal streaming, as fans are unable to watch live matches during this window.
Details of the Exemption
Exemptions to the blackout are forwarded to UEFA for approval prior to each season, as coordinated by the FA after consulting various UK football stakeholders, including the EFL and the Women’s Super League. In addition to December 27 and January 3, exemptions also encompass Saturdays during men’s international breaks, with notable dates like September 20 already flagged for similar considerations.
Why Will the Premier League Not Use the Exemption?
The Premier League remains committed to the 3pm blackout for the foreseeable future, likely maintaining this stance until at least the end of the current UK broadcast rights cycle in 2029. The structure of existing agreements with broadcasters limits the flexibility to change this policy, as they have a predetermined number of licensed matches and slots. Moreover, the league aims to safeguard attendance at lower-tier games that could be affected if more people opted to watch live broadcasts on Saturday afternoons.
Can the Blackout Be Lifted Mid-Season?
Yes, in extraordinary circumstances, exemptions can be issued beyond the league’s control. For example, in May 2023, due to Manchester City’s Champions League commitments, a match was rescheduled and ultimately broadcast on a Saturday.
Boxing Day Games
Boxing Day football is a long-standing tradition in England, with all matches available for viewers last year. However, with December 26 occurring on a Friday this year, uncertainty looms over the number of games scheduled, as the Premier League planned fixtures starting the following day.
Announcement of Fixture Changes
The Premier League had indicated that broadcast fixtures for this period would be resolved by October 15. However, they only confirmed fixtures through December 22 on that date, suggesting further announcements will follow shortly for the holiday schedule and subsequent matches in January.
