The 1960s were a turning point for English football, as the 3pm blackout was introduced. This initiative was originally brought about to ensure that 50% of games played in the top two divisions were not shown live on a Saturday between 2.45pm and 5.15pm. The reason was to encourage fans to attend lower-league games, as well as matches in the top two tiers.
Burnley chairman Bob Lord was the pioneer of the blackout, even going as far as to briefly ban Match of the Day from being shown at Turf Moor. Attempts have been made since Lord’s request was granted to reverse the blackout and bring football into the modern age of accessibility across television and streaming services.
It has been reported that the SPFL in Scotland is aiming to test the water for the 2029-30 season by broadcasting a number of games, including those played on a Saturday during traditional blackout hours. The revenue streams opened up by broadcasters online and through subscription services provide an avenue for clubs to expand their finances.
Fears for non-league clubs, who are also subject to the blackout ruling, have come to the surface in light of the SPFL’s intentions. Many fans and club personnel have been apprehensive over the years about attendances falling due to fans opting to watch matches live from the comfort of their own homes or on the move.
The only time the blackout has been lifted was during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Network providers offered a free-to-air service for Premier League matches before the blackout resumed at the end of the 2020-21 season. Another occasion when a partial blackout was used was during Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus debut in 2018, when the first 15 minutes of the game could not be shown.
Now, as a result of streaming, social media presence and the accessibility of live football around the world, Bob Lord’s original plan to restrict the viewing of Saturday afternoon action is closer than ever to changing the game as we know it.
The four-year deal that the Premier League has for its TV rights packages comes to an end in 2029, and the big decision going forward will determine whether the blackout remains. Should Scotland decide to veer away from tradition and scrap the Saturday ruling, the Premier League, EFL and Northern Irish associations may well have to follow suit.
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