The English Football League will explore lifting the Saturday 3 pm ban when it sells its next television and media rights.
The league announced on Wednesday that it has launched a request for proposals (RFP) seeking interested broadcasters and media businesses to propose new means of presenting the league on television and streaming platforms beginning with the 2024-25 season when its contract with Sky Sports expires.
Lifting the ban on broadcasting live matches on Saturdays between 2.45 p.m. and 5.15 p.m. is being examined, but nothing is off the table as the EFL finds solutions to accommodate changing viewer habits.
Ben Wright, the EFL’s chief commercial officer, stated, “although the demand for EFL football remains as high as ever, we aim to expand this audience further.” “We are soliciting proposals from organizations that can enhance and extend the league’s product by taking a novel and inventive approach to how EFL material is consumed by fans.
Alongside the EFL’s rich tradition and illustrious history is a desire to progress, grow, and innovate to expand our audience, and we want a partner or partners who share this ambition.
The blackout, which associations are permitted to impose under article 48 of Uefa regulations, dates back to the 1960s and is intended to protect live attendance at matches across the football pyramid. It was temporarily lifted when spectator access to stadiums was restricted.
Rick Parry, head of the English Football League, stated in October, “We are nearly alone in Europe in having a blackout time. I’m not assuming it will air, but if we’re considering streaming, new technologies, and new broadcasters, we’ll likely have to be flexible with scheduling.”
