Premier League matches are being broadcast live on free-to-air TV for the first time in history after the season made its long-awaited return on 17 June.
Sky Sports is making 25 out of its 64 games free, which will be available to watch both online and on Freeview via the broadcaster’s Pick channel. The BBC has also announced it will air four live games in a first for the national broadcaster. Amazon’s four Premier League fixtures will be shown for free so viewers will not require a Prime subscription.
That means over a third of the remaining 92 matches will be free to watch, creating what Oliver Dowden, the Culture Secretary, describes as an “open invitation for all fans to be part of a significant moment in our sporting history”.
Which Premier League games will be free-to-air?
Sky were the first to announce that the Merseyside derby between Everton and league leaders Liverpool will be included in the free-to-air fixtures.
To ensure fans can watch as many matches without timetable clashes, the Premier League has revealed plans to stagger kick-off times letting viewers watch matches back-to-back at weekends. Midweek games will be aired at 6pm and 8pm across the span of three days.
- Friday 19 June, Norwich vs Southampton, 6pm kick-off, Sky Sports/Pick
- Saturday 20 June, Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace, 7.45pm, BBC
- Sunday 21 June, Newcastle vs Sheff Utd, 2pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Sunday 21 June, Everton vs Liverpool, 7pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Wednesday 24 June, Man Utd vs Sheff Utd, 6pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Wednesday 24 June, Norwich vs Everton, 6pm, BBC
- Thursday 25 June, Burnley vs Watford, 6pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Sunday 28 June, Watford vs Southampton, 4.30pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Monday 29 June, Crystal Palace vs Burnley, 8pm, Amazon Prime
- Tuesday 30 June, Brighton vs Man Utd, 8.15pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Wednesday 1 July, Bournemouth vs Newcastle, 6pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Saturday 4 July, Leicester vs Crystal Palace, 3pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Sunday 5 July, Burnley vs Sheff Utd, 12pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Sunday 5 July, Southampton vs Man City, 7pm, BBC
- Thursday 9 July, Bournemouth vs Tottenham, 6pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Thursday 9 July, Everton vs Southampton, 8.15pm, Amazon Prime
- Saturday 11 July, Watford vs Newcastle, 12.30pm, Amazon Prime
- Sunday 12 July, Bournemouth vs Leicester, 7pm, Sky Sports/Pick
- Monday 13 July, Man Utd vs Southampton, 8pm, Sky Sports/Pick
Read more: Free-to-air football cannot be forever but it is a chance to restore some community
Scheduled kick-off times
Weekend matches (all times BST):
- Friday: 8pm
- Saturday: 12:30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm, 8pm
- Sunday: 12pm, 2pm, 4.30pm, 7pm
- Monday: 8pm
Midweek matches (all times BST):
- Tuesday: 6pm and 8pm
- Wednesday: 6pm and 8pm
- Thursday: 6pm and 8pm
Encouraging social distancing
Making Premier League games free for the public may also lead to an increase in viewers. This may be caused by people who would usually attend matches together with those with no access to subscription platforms.
Barbara Slater, director of BBC Sport, said: “At a time when sports fans across the country are in need of a lift, this is very welcome news.”
The industry will also be watching how the players react and scores are affected by the loss of crowds and the advantage of playing at home. In any case, the pressure is mounting for clubs to finish preparations, having less than three weeks to go.
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3g1Earr
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