Overview
- England is the last country in Europe enforcing a Saturday afternoon blackout that blocks live broadcasts between 2:45pm and 5:15pm.
- League executives believe expanding sales to every game is the only realistic route to new revenue, despite this season already airing a record 270 Premier League and 1,059 EFL matches.
- The EFL plans to take its rights to market in 2027, even though existing deals run to 2028–29, making early decisions on 3pm availability a priority.
- Any change would require action under UEFA’s Article 48, with the FA positioned to apply for a lift and not expected to oppose if the leagues agree.
- Pressure and risks remain, with broadcaster interest and some club owners backing reform, Premier League chief Richard Masters reaffirming commitment to the blackout, and concerns over attendances and possible compensation claims from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.