EFL clubs will discuss future broadcasting strategy at the league’s AGM on Thursday – possibly paving the way for the traditional Saturday 3pm blackout to be scrapped.
Clubs will be shown a presentation with options for the future ahead of the EFL’s TV deal with Sky ending in 2024.
There is an appetite for change among some clubs and this week’s discussion arrives with some in the lower leagues keen to see the EFL’s iFollow service expanded to cover Saturday games. Others argue that will hit crowds, hence the EFL’s decision to canvass opinion at their two-day AGM.
i reported in April that the EFL would discuss with the 72 clubs what future broadcasting strategy would look like – including the possibility of scrapping the 3pm TV blackout and expanding streaming for League One and League Two clubs. It’s understood “all options are open” for the future.
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That would reflect an acceptance that the bottom two divisions aren’t particularly well served by the current TV deal, with Sky showing only a handful of games. But it does guarantee a chunk of money for League One and League Two clubs, so any move towards a streaming first model may meet opposition.
This week represents an “initial discussion” considering broader strategy rather than rubber stamping any immediate changes.
Any move to scrap the 3pm blackout in the future would need to get Uefa approval. There is currently a blanket ban on showing matches between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on a Saturday, although those rules are relaxed during international breaks when clubs in League One and League Two are allowed to stream Saturday matches if both agree to offer the services.
The blackout – which has the continued support of the Football Supporters Association – is intended to protect ticket sales and the “habit forming” tradition of attending matches.
But some say it is an outdated concept and is preventing potential revenue streams for lower league clubs.
The EFL’s AGM starts in Chester and other topics up for discussion at the AGM are the ramifications of the fan-led review, which is backed by the league’s hierarchy, and there will be a discussion on how to curb pitch invasions and bad behaviour among fans.
The EFL has indicated that it will introduce tough sanctions in the wake of pitch invasions at the end of the season. Ugly scenes at Port Vale and Nottingham Forest, which included a fan assaulting Sheffield United striker Billy Sharp, prompted a strong warning from EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch that clubs could face severe punishments.
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