Feb 26 • 17:24 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Mirror

Premier League's 3pm blackout close to being scrapped as Netflix-style product launched

The Premier League is launching a direct-to-viewer streaming service that may end the traditional 3pm blackout for broadcasts of matches in the UK.

The Premier League has announced plans to launch a new streaming service, tentatively called 'Premflix,' which promises to revolutionize how fans access live matches. This service is geared towards enhancing viewership and making all 380 games available for streaming, alongside additional magazine-style content. The initiative will begin with a pilot in Singapore, showcasing a partnership with broadcaster StarHub, and is expected to set a precedent for similar offerings in other markets, including the UK.

Richard Masters, the Premier League chief executive, indicated that the new streaming channel could signify the end of the longstanding 3pm blackout in England, a regulation that has prevented matches from being televised during that time on Saturdays. With the introduction of this new service, English fans may soon have the ability to watch every game live, thus altering the dynamics of viewer engagement and altering the landscape of broadcast rights in the sporting world.

The implications of this move are significant, not only for the Premier League but also for traditional broadcasters. As consumer preferences shift toward on-demand viewing platforms like Netflix, the league aims to reclaim viewership by offering fans access to matches directly. The proposed changes will likely affect how TV rights are negotiated in the future and could lead to increased competition among broadcasters as they adapt to the evolving marketplace of sports entertainment.

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