The Premier League has recently been granted an exemption from the traditional 3pm television blackout, potentially allowing England's top-flight to broadcast selected matches during this slot. However, despite this rule change, it is not expected that the league will utilise this option.
According to The Athletic, a recent rule change allows games to be shown on two specific days during the forthcoming festive period. These are Saturday, December 27 and Saturday, January 3 - dates scheduled for the 18th and 20th gameweeks of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
This new regulation would enable matches scheduled for a traditional blackout time of 3pm on these two Saturdays to be televised live. Despite being permitted under these regulations, reports suggest that the Premier League does not plan to use this option for broadcasting fixtures.
Upcoming matches and broadcast selections
Currently, ten matches are due on December 27 and another ten on January 3. However, as of now, there is no confirmation from the Premier League regarding fixture alterations or UK television broadcast selections for these festive period dates including Boxing Day (December 26) or New Year's Day (January1).
The concept of a 'blackout' at certain times was first conceived in the UK in the1960s and implemented since mid-80s with an aim to protect lower-league game attendance from being affected if Saturday afternoon matches were broadcast live on TV. However, it has also been linked with an increase in illegal streaming as fans within UK borders cannot watch their favourite teams play at this time slot. Interestingly enough though there is no such blackout affecting international broadcasts of Premier League games.
Supporters outside of UK can view as many live broadcasts of these traditionally blacked-out slots as their local broadcasters choose to air. UEFA's list of exemptions for the current season includes Saturdays during men's international breaks, in addition to December 27 and January 3.
Impact on future broadcasts
The recent exemption granted to the Premier League could potentially change how matches are broadcasted in the future. However, it is reported that this specific request for date exemptions did not come directly from the Premier League but was a result of collaboration between various stakeholders.
Even though four Premier League matches began at 3pm on September 20 and were not broadcast in UK due to a request from Scottish FA to accommodate League Cup fixtures, it remains uncertain whether this new rule will be utilised by the league or not.
While this new rule change opens up possibilities for broadcasting games during traditional blackout periods, it remains unclear how or if these changes will be implemented by the Premier League.
