Are Saturday 3pm Games on Television After 3pm? The UK’s Football Blackout Explained
The first Saturday of the Premier League season saw a scheduling quirk: Manchester City, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United all played at 3pm. This unusual occurrence highlighted a long-standing rule in British football broadcasting: the Saturday 3pm blackout. So, Are Saturday 3pm Games On Television After 3pm in the UK? The simple answer is no, not legally.
Understanding the 3pm Blackout: Protecting the Lower Leagues?
A rule prevents live football broadcasts on UK television between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturdays. This blackout, stemming from a UEFA regulation, aims to protect attendance at lower-league matches. The logic is that fans are more likely to attend local games if they can’t watch Premier League matches live. But does this rule still hold up in the digital age?
Fans at Salford City show their dedication to their local club (Carl Anka)
The Impact on Fans: From Illegal Streams to Early Morning Pubs
The Athletic investigated the blackout’s impact. Reporters visited lower-league grounds, London pubs, and even a Los Angeles bar to understand how fans cope.
Lower League Loyalty: Salford City’s Success
At Salford City, a League Two club, fans prioritized their local team over Premier League broadcasts. Affordable tickets and a strong sense of community drew fans, suggesting the blackout might not be the sole driver of lower-league attendance.
Circumventing the Rule: The Search for Illegal Streams
In London, one reporter found a pub discreetly showing a 3pm game via an international feed. This highlighted the demand for live football and the lengths some fans will go to watch their team. One fan interviewed admitted to using illegal streaming services, citing frustration with the limited legal viewing options. He expressed willingness to pay for a legitimate way to watch these games.
(Photo: Jack Lang)
Across the Pond: Legal Viewing in Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, Arsenal fans gathered at a bar at 7am local time to watch the game legally. This highlighted the global appeal of the Premier League and the frustration of UK fans who can’t enjoy the same access. One American fan questioned the fairness of the blackout, comparing it to a hypothetical scenario where local basketball games were blacked out in Los Angeles.
Joxer Daly’s Bar in Los Angeles provides a legal viewing option for early risers (Elias Burke)
Embracing Alternatives: Radio and Live Blogs
Not all fans resort to illegal streams. Some, like Arsenal supporter Conor O’Callaghan, rely on radio, live blogs, and highlight shows. For him, it’s a matter of practicality and nostalgia, harking back to a time when live football on TV was less ubiquitous.
BBC Radio commentator Alan Green provided a lifeline for fans in the past (John Gichigi/Allsport via Getty Images)
The Future of the 3pm Blackout: A Rule Out of Time?
The 3pm blackout remains a contentious issue. While designed to protect lower leagues, its effectiveness is debatable. The rise of illegal streaming and the global demand for live football suggest a need for a modern solution. The FA’s exploration of lifting the blackout for the Women’s Super League hints at a potential shift. Perhaps a pay-per-view model for 3pm games could satisfy both fans and clubs, ensuring revenue for all levels of the game. For now, however, the Saturday 3pm blackout persists, leaving many fans searching for alternative ways to follow their teams.
