Premier League clubs are "considering playing matches on Saturday nights," according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. Up to 30 more fixtures will be shown live in the next broadcasting deal -- at least 190 games a season and possibly more than 200 -- and "one proposal is to target a peak-time television audience" with kickoffs on Saturdays at 7:45pm. The idea was put to the summer meeting of Premier League chairs last week as "one option to cater for the increase in live matches from the present level of 168 games a season." A decision "will be taken this autumn." The plan is "being encouraged by broadcasters." BT Sport Head Simon Green is "known to be keen that the Premier League embraces the idea." But it is "likely to be opposed by fans" as the evening kickoffs would "make it more difficult for away supporters to attend and would mean fewer starting at the traditional time of 3pm." The English Football League is "also inviting bids for its rights but has no plans for a Saturday night slot as clubs fear it might reduce attendances, something that is less of an issue in the Premier League, where stadiums are close to capacity." The talks on the proposed deals "come as figures show that Sky's audiences for the Premier League on TV fell" by 14% last season. The Premier League also believes that viewers' habits "are changing," but the return of Newcastle United to the top flight "may result in figures recovering next season." Audience figures for League Championship matches last season featured Newcastle in eight of the top 10 most-watched (LONDON TIMES, 6/13).
