The Premier League has been granted an exemption to broadcast Saturday 3pm matches on December 27 and January 3 during the festive period, but it will not exercise this option. This decision upholds the traditional UK blackout rule designed to protect attendances at lower-league games. The league remains committed to the blackout until at least the end of its current broadcast rights cycle in 2029.
Exemption Granted but Unused
An unprecedented exemption from the UK's 3pm broadcast blackout has been approved for two Saturdays in the 2025-26 festive period: December 27 and January 3, corresponding to the 18th and 20th gameweeks. This would have allowed live UK broadcasts of matches kicking off at 3pm local time (2.45pm-5.15pm window), a departure from the usual restrictions. However, sources indicate the Premier League will not schedule or broadcast any such games live in the UK, prioritizing existing broadcast agreements and the protection of lower-tier football attendances.
The 3pm blackout, first devised in the 1960s and enforced since the mid-1980s, aims to prevent top-flight TV coverage from reducing crowds at English Football League (EFL) matches. Premier League CEO Richard Masters reaffirmed this commitment at the Leaders football conference in early October, stating: “We are committed to it for the foreseeable future and it’s not a decision that we make, it’s done in conjunction with other football bodies, the EFL and the FA.”
Broadcast Deals and Scheduling Factors
The decision aligns with fixed broadcast rights held by Sky Sports and TNT Sports until 2029. Sky's deal covers 215 of 380 games in specific slots, including Fridays, late Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, three midweek rounds, and the final day. TNT handles the Saturday 12.30pm slot and two midweek rounds. Altering this for 3pm games would disrupt these agreements without additional value.
Additionally, the festive schedule faces complexities from expanded UEFA competitions and FA Cup weekends, reducing available slots. The league is contractually obliged to deliver 33 weekends of football to broadcasters. Fixtures for December 27 include Manchester United vs Newcastle, Nottingham Forest vs Manchester City, and Chelsea vs Aston Villa, among others. For January 3, matchups feature Manchester City vs Chelsea, Tottenham vs Sunderland, and Everton vs Brentford.
Boxing Day Uncertainty
Boxing Day (December 26) traditions are in flux, with only one Premier League fixture reportedly scheduled, shifting the 18th round to December 27—a Friday this year. The EFL plans a full slate on December 26. Fixture amendments and UK broadcast selections for matchweeks 18-21 were due by October 15 but delayed due to calendar issues; announcements are expected soon, with at least six weeks' notice for changes.
Exemptions were ratified by UEFA under Article 48, following consultations with the FA, EFL, and other stakeholders. While international fans face no such restrictions, UK viewers may continue relying on staggered kick-offs over Christmas and New Year to maximize live coverage outside the blackout.
