An end to the 3pm blackout is under consideration by the EFL as they look for a fresh approach with their 2024/25 broadcast rights, according to reports.
The 3pm blackout has long been a staple of English football in order to drive up attendances at lower league fixtures but with the ever-increasing modernisation of the sport, particularly through streaming services, a rethink is thought to be underway. As the Sky Sports deal for all EFL games ends in 2023/24, the EFL are open to proposals for the broadcast rights heading into 2024/25 onwards.
The stream service provided throughout the pandemic via the iFollow service brought success and the likes of Amazon Prime have already shown a different avenue for coverage with their streaming of Premier League fixtures. It is reported that the likes of Google, Amazon and Netflix will be offered the chance to make proposals for rights access to EFL fixtures.
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Bolton Wanderers chief executive Neil Hart has voiced his approval in the past for streaming games to be as widespread as possible. The Whites made £500,000 from iFollow last season and, though the club is happy for the 3pm domestic Satuday blackout to continue with the current contractual obligations, Hart's personal view is that he would like to see this removed in the future, though he accepted it would not happen in the short-term.
An EFL statement was issued confirming that they are looking for innovative solutions going forward. It said: "The EFL has today issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for interested parties in respect of its broadcast rights.
"The broadcast rights will be available from the beginning of season 2024/25 when the current five-year agreement with Sky Sports expires. Rights for all 1,891 matches across the League, EFL Cup, EFL Trophy and all end of season Play-Off matches are available for prospective bidders.
"The League is taking a fresh and new approach to this latest rights cycle, inviting proposals that embrace innovation and offer contemporary solutions that cater for changing audience habits.
"EFL Chief Commercial Officer, Ben Wright said: “With 54% of the UK population watching EFL football on television each year and a global audience of more than 400 million, it’s an exciting time to be going to market for the League’s broadcast rights.
“Whilst the appetite for EFL football remains stronger than ever, we want to grow this audience further. We are inviting proposals from organisations that can enhance and develop the League’s offering, taking a new and innovative approach to how people consume EFL content. Alongside the EFL’s rich tradition and distinguished history there is a desire to evolve, grow and innovate in order to grow our audience further and we’re looking for a partner or partners who share that vision.
"Bidders must submit responses by 5pm on 21 November 2022."
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