Premier League clubs approve huge shake-up to live TV football coverage

28 September 2023 , 17:16

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Many more live games are set to be shown with the new deal (Image: Getty Images)

Premier League clubs have given their approval for more top-flight games to be shown live.

‌It could result in dozens more games being broadcast and potentially a whole new package being available in the next TV deal. The 20 clubs voted through the proposal at an online Premier League meeting on Thursday and that will now be put forward to TV companies in the next few weeks.

‌It could see a dramatic upturn in the current £5.1billion three year deal with the live rights shared between Sky, TNT Sports and Amazon who currently show 200 games each season. The last deal was “rolled over” until 2025 at the same value as the previous agreement for 2019-22 because of the financial impact from Covid.

‌Clubs can therefore expect a big increase especially with more games likely to be made available in the tender document made available for broadcasters. It might also see a new broadcaster come into the market, although it seems certain that Amazon and TNT Sports will want to expand the number of games they currently show. Amazon have two live rounds, TNT Sports - formerly BT Sport - show 52 games while Sky have the lion’s share with 128.

Sky, TNT Sports and Amazon currently show 200 games each season (AFP via Getty Images)

‌Premier League bosses have stressed that there is nothing set in stone about how many extra games will be made available or whether a new package could be brought in. The current deal sees games shown on a Friday and Monday night, Saturday lunchtime, Saturday tea time and also in two slots on a Sunday afternoon.

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‌They have played down the notion that Sunday night could be a regular slot while Saturday at 8pm is being used to show games featuring clubs who have played on a Wednesday night in the Champions League.

‌The Saturday 3pm TV blackout will remain in place but one solution could be to make all other games available. Overseas broadcast rights have dramatically increased in the past few years and that suggests a big upturn in the next domestic TV deal.

John Cross