Overview
- The SPFL has launched a flexible tender for the 2029–30 rights cycle that invites bids to show more matches and could allow broadcasters to offer live coverage of all Premiership fixtures including Saturday 3pm kick‑offs.
- Reports published on October 29, 2026 show the tender lets bidders propose packages larger than the current deal rather than the SPFL committing to sell every game.
- UEFA’s Article 48 would only permit a Saturday blackout if 50% or more of fixtures in the top two divisions kick off at 3pm, so the timetable and how the SPFL parcels games in the sale will determine whether the rule applies.
- Any change would still need the approval of the Premiership clubs, with eight of the 12 members required to vote in favour, and would likely involve discussion with the SFA, other UK bodies and UEFA.
- Under current deals about 36% of Premiership matches are shown live, so lifting the blackout could boost rights revenue and streaming options for clubs but may also change match‑day attendance patterns for lower‑league teams.