Why 3pm Saturday Matches Are Not Televised

The upcoming Premier League television rights deal promises to increase the number of live broadcasted matches in the UK by approximately 25 percent. This will likely lead to new television slots, potentially including Sunday evenings and more frequent Saturday 8pm kick-offs. While this excites many fans, it raises a critical question: why does the 3pm Saturday blackout still exist?

The 3pm blackout, often criticized as outdated and pointless, aims to protect attendance at lower-league matches played concurrently. This rule recognizes the unique English football culture, with its thriving lower leagues boasting impressive attendance and competitive play down to the 10th tier.

The blackout ensures these lower-league matches aren’t overshadowed by televised Premier League games. While some argue that dedicated fans wouldn’t abandon their local clubs for a televised game, this argument overlooks several key factors.

Firstly, local club attendance is demonstrably affected by nearby big-club games. Secondly, removing the blackout could lead to a saturation of televised Premier League matches, potentially including top-tier clashes at 3pm on Saturdays. This could create a “showpiece” event that draws viewers away from lower-league games.

A 3pm Saturday Premier League broadcast featuring popular clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Newcastle would undoubtedly draw massive viewership. This could have a long-term detrimental effect on lower-league attendance, potentially impacting the viability of these clubs over time.

The notion that attending live matches is entirely separate from watching televised games is false. Many non-League fans, after their own matches, gather to watch the televised Premier League games. Football fandom is fluid, with many lower-league attendees also holding an affinity for Premier League clubs.

Lower-league clubs are vital community hubs, offering social interaction, employment, and youth programs. Protecting these clubs is crucial, especially in the face of declining social spaces and rising loneliness and mental health issues. The 3pm blackout ensures these clubs aren’t competing with televised Premier League games for local attention.

Compensating lower-league clubs with a share of Premier League television revenue wouldn’t address the core issue: providing them space to attract attendees. While wanting to watch a top-tier match on Saturday at 3pm is understandable, it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential consequences for the wider football ecosystem.

While illegal streaming has changed the landscape, a dedicated 3pm Saturday “Goals Show” would significantly impact lower-league viewership. Scrapping the blackout risks irreversible damage to the lower leagues. A potential compromise is shifting Premier League matches to earlier and later Saturday slots, ensuring all top-flight games are televised while protecting the lower leagues. The 3pm blackout effectively safeguards the lower leagues and should remain in place.