The long-standing 3pm blackout rule in English football could be removed within the next five years, as league chiefs reportedly view the regulation as outdated. This change could significantly alter the broadcasting landscape of the Premier League and English Football League (EFL).
Current Blackout Rules in English Football
The 3pm blackout rule prohibits the live broadcast of football matches in England during the Saturday afternoon time slot to protect lower-league attendance. It is unique to England, as no other European country enforces such restrictions.
However, with changing viewing habits and increased demand for televised matches, the rule has come under scrutiny.
What Could Change?
According to The Sun, the current four-year broadcasting deal, set to begin next year, does not include provisions for lifting the blackout. However, the rule could be revisited after the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, potentially paving the way for its removal.
League executives are reportedly leaning toward abolishing the rule, viewing it as outdated in the modern era of global football broadcasting.
Impact of Removing the Blackout
If scrapped, fans could watch every Premier League and EFL game live, drastically increasing the revenue for broadcasting companies and clubs. However, some argue that this move could negatively affect live match attendance, particularly in lower leagues, which rely heavily on ticket sales.
The potential removal of the 3pm blackout could reshape the fan experience and financial dynamics of English football. While it promises greater access for fans worldwide, it also raises concerns about preserving the integrity and attendance of lower-league football. Whether this rule remains or is scrapped post-2028 will likely spark intense debate among fans, broadcasters, and league officials.