3pm blackout to be scrapped... Finally? Premier League chiefs call for major TV shakeup as ‘outdated’ rule faces axe within five years

Per The Sun, the 3pm blackout in place for Premier League and EFL games could be scrapped within the next five years under the terms of a new broadcasting deal. There is a fresh four-year broadcasting deal beginning next year, and that does not include the option for the blackout to be removed. It will end upon the conclusion of the 2028-29 season, which could then see the blackout removed.

The Football Association has consistently policed the blackout as it is viewed as essential to protect attendances in the Football League. However, with more and more live games being shown on television, the report states that analysis by the EFL found that broadcasting matches had little impact on crowd numbers. The EFL TV deal expires at the same time as the Premier League's, meaning a rethink could take place.

The blackout has been a contributing factor to the rise in piracy when it comes to Premier League fixtures, with so-called 'cracked Fire Sticks' allowing fans to access illegal online streams for 3pm games. The new Premier League TV deal will see 270 matches per season shown live, but that leaves 110 still locked behind the blackout.

The blackout is not going away any time soon but every Premier League midweek game will be available to watch this week, as they are airing on Amazon Prime, and not on a Saturday at 3pm.