Have you ever wondered why you can’t watch Saturday 3pm kick-offs on UK television? The chances are that you’ve heard of the 3pm blackout, but many football fans are unaware of why the rule is in place.
If you want to learn everything there is to know about the 3pm blackout, you have come to the right place. Below, we explain the rule, explore its origins and discuss whether the blackout will ever be scrapped.
What is the 3pm blackout?
The 3pm blackout is a rule that prohibits UK television broadcasters from showing live Premier League, Football League and FA Cup games on Saturday between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
Of course, the majority of matches in the UK kick off at 3pm on Saturday, but they are not allowed to be televised.
On a typical Saturday, BT Sport will broadcast a 12:30pm Premier League kick-off, while Sky Sports will show a game at 5:30pm. However, you will not find any UK-based matches on TV between those times.
Why does the 3pm blackout exist?
Believe it or not, the 3pm blackout has been in place since the 1960s, when Burnley chairman Bob Lord instigated the notion that televised games on Saturday afternoons would have a negative impact on the in-person attendance of lower-league matches.
Lord was convinced that lower-league football would be hampered financially, as many fans of smaller clubs would rather watch high-profile games on TV, instead of supporting their local team.
More than six decades later, the 3pm blackout is still going strong. According to Premier League CEO Richard Masters, the EPL will keep the 3pm blackout for the foreseeable future, despite rising fan pressure.
Will the 3pm blackout ever be scrapped?
Given that the UK is the only country in the world with a 3pm blackout, there is a sense that the rule is outdated, with many football fans calling for the blackout to be scrapped altogether.
Fans are becoming increasingly angry with the cost of watching football on TV in the UK – and the number of different subscriptions required to access every available game – especially when the blackout prevents most fans from watching their team.
That said, the recent rise in popularity of streaming services such as DAZN and Viaplay could mean that an end to the 3pm blackout is in sight.
The Football Association (FA) is reportedly ready to open negotiations with TV companies for the FA Cup’s next broadcast cycle, which could see the tournament change the face of UK television.
Elsewhere, DAZN recently attempted to acquire the English Football League (EFL) rights, although the EFL has opted to remain with Sky Sports for the time being.
Ultimately, it feels like it is only a matter of time before the 3pm blackout is lifted. We may not see the rule abandoned completely, but certain leagues and tournaments could be aired between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturday.
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