Premier League looks to broadcast every behind-closed-door fixture

All behind-closed-door Premier League matches are set to be broadcast following the FA’s confirmation that the traditional Saturday 3pm TV blackout will be lifted for the start of the 2020/21 campaign.

Due to this announcement, all top flight games can be negotiated to broadcasters to be aired live until crowds start to come back to stadiums. The top-tier ban will also allow clubs to provide season ticket holders with match-day codes to stream home matches, similarly to last season. 

According to The Times, the Premier League was considering maintaining its original contracts with BT Sport and Sky Sports, which would result in 40 per cent of the games this season not being televised. However, over fears of fans illegally streaming fixtures, the tournament organisers have opted to negotiate with broadcasters over airing all the fixtures.  

This isn’t the first time that the 3pm blackout has been voided with the rule also being lifted during the Premier League’s Project Restart last campaign. As a result all remaining Premier League games were aired on a variety of channels and platforms including the BBC and Twitch alongside BT Sport and Sky Sports.

Unlike the 2019/20 campaign, the Premier League will not ask broadcasters to make some games free-to-air, which eventually resulted in Sky Sports airing fixtures on Pick.

The newspaper has also reported that the 3pm blackout is only being lifted temporarily and will be imposed again once fans return to grounds. 

It has already been confirmed that the EFL will allow non-Sky Sports televised matches to be streamed by its clubs, following an agreement with the broadcaster.

As a result of its partnership, EFL fans can pay £10 per match to see their team’s home fixtures. Alternatively season ticket holders will gain access to every home game whilst crowds are banned from stadiums.