The end of the 3pm Blackout?

Background

In the United Kingdom, the ‘3pm blackout’ rule has, for many years, been as much a part of the Saturday afternoon footballing landscape as a pre-match pint and a half-time pie. However, the existence of the blackout rule might soon be challenged by a new-entrant sports broadcaster, Eleven Sports.

Under the blackout rule, which has operated in both England and Scotland since the 1960’s, broadcasts of any football matches (whether domestic or overseas) are prohibited in those countries between 2.45pm and 5.15pm each Saturday. The rule has been put in place because it is believed by local football authorities and clubs to encourage stadium attendance at matches throughout the UK (and particularly of...

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