Scottish Premiership invites bids for live coverage of every match from 2029
The Scottish Premiership has become the first UK league to invite bids that could include live coverage of every match from 2029, including Saturday 3pm kick-offs. The move signals a possible shift towards ending the broadcast blackout, as UK leagues look to sell more games and increase television revenue.
A UEFA rule allows national associations to block live broadcasts during specified hours; in the UK, coverage is prohibited from 2.45pm to 5.15pm on Saturdays when at least half of top-two-division matches are played then. UK broadcasters currently show up to 270 Premier League matches, 1,059 EFL games and 82 Scottish Premiership fixtures, about 35% of the season’s total. The four UK football associations apply the rule, with clubs’ views expected to influence whether it remains after 2029.
In short
- Scottish clubs are inviting bids for live coverage of every league match from 2029.
- The tender could include Saturday 3pm kick-offs.
- UK leagues see more televised games as a way to raise revenue.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Ending the blackout could give supporters more ways to follow their teams, especially those unable to attend, and allow clubs and the league to earn more from broadcasting. If clubs’ views shape the decision, they can weigh the likely benefits against effects on attendance and matchday income.
The case against
The Saturday blackout is intended to protect attendance at live matches by avoiding competition from televised games during the traditional 3pm slot. Keeping it could preserve matchday income and local football culture, while a full live schedule might redirect some supporters from grounds to screens; the scale of that effect is uncertain.
Explained simply
The Scottish Premiership is Scotland’s top men’s football division. Its clubs sell rights for television and streaming coverage, and broadcasters compete for packages of matches.
A UEFA rule lets national football associations protect certain kick-off times from live broadcasts. In the UK, that means matches cannot be shown live between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays, when many games are played.
The four UK football associations apply the rule, which is intended to encourage people to attend matches in person. The debate matters to clubs, supporters and broadcasters because changing it could affect stadium crowds, where fans watch games and how much leagues earn from broadcast rights.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Scottish Premiership makes first UK move to remove Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout”.