THE final details on the next Premier League TV deal will be confirmed next month – after clubs only agreed an outline arrangement.
Prem chiefs hosted a mainly virtual meeting of club executives from their Paddington headquarters on Thursday, with the next domestic “tender” the only item on the agenda.
But while the clubs were told they have been given the green light to offer four-year deals for the first time, the full terms and conditions are still being discussed.
It is understood there will be an increase in live TV games available in the UK from the current 200 per season to “at least” 250.
Rearranged games at the end of the campaign could take that tally to nearer 265.
Broadcasters are also expecting a reduction in the number of “packages” of games from seven to five, with club bosses hoping that will help nudge the value of the UK deal above £2bn per season.
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But the decision to put off the final sign-off suggests there are still some issues over which there is uncertainty, although they are believed to be minor rather than substantive.
One problem still to be ironed out is when the additional televised matches will take place.
There has been an increase in live matches shown on Saturday at 8pm in recent years, with Manchester United’s win over Burnley taking place in that timeslot over the weekend.
An alternative is for matches to take place on Sunday at 8pm.
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One thing that is certain is the Saturday 3pm blackout will remain in place, according to The Mirror.
A possible solution to that issue from the clubs’ point of view would be to broadcast all over games.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
