The paywalls on Premier League football games could soon be lifted if MPs vote to approve an amendment to the Football Governance Bill tomorrow, July 8.
The change would require at least ten Premier League matches every season to be broadcast on free-to-air television channels, such as the BBC or ITV.
The amendment would also require the League Cup Final and the Championship, League One and League Two playoff finals to be available on free-to-air channels.
The upcoming 2025-26 season is airing under a new TV rights deal between the Premier League, Sky Sports and TNT Sports, which would air games through a subscription model.
Under this deal, fans hoping to catch each game in the season could have to fork out £660 a year.
Recent figures suggest that the soaring subscription expense could be to blame for the recent crash in Sky Sports and TNT Sports viewers.
Last year, Premier League viewership fell by 10 per cent on Sky Sports and a further 17 per cent on TNT Sports.
Currently, La Liga, Spain’s top football league, offers one free game per week to fans through the streaming service DAZN.
The Liberal Democrats, who introduced the amendment to the Bill, have suggested this model could be replicated in the UK.
As part of their 2024 election manifesto, the Liberal Democrats committed to making football games more accessible to fans.
Max Wilkinson MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport said: “I’m urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels.
“For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters.
“Fans are being rinsed of every last penny to watch the beautiful game, while the next generation of Bellinghams and Bronzes are priced out of the chance to see football played at the very top level.
“That must end today – with a free to air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.”
Featured image via Pexels
