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More than half of all Premier League matches "could be shown live" on British TV from '19 under the new domestic broadcasting deal, according to Martyn Ziegler of the LONDON TIMES. Premier League chairs will meet next week to decide how many matches should be offered in the new tender, with three options outlined: 190 matches, 200 or a maximum 210 of the 380 top-flight games played each season. Under the existing deal, 168 games are aired each season but the league guaranteed broadcast regulator Ofcom that it "will make at least 190 available in the next three-year deal," which runs from '19-22. The Premier League is reportedly also considering introducing a primetime Saturday night slot for live matches but will "try to protect the group of matches still kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays, where no live domestic broadcast is permitted." The Football Supporters' Federation said that it has "major reservations" about a "significant increase in televised football" and wants the Saturday 3pm kickoffs to be "protected." The tender is expected to go out to broadcasters before Christmas, with the auction to be completed in February (
LONDON TIMES, 11/9).
