Scottish Premiership Moves to End Saturday 3pm Broadcast Blackout from 2029

The Scottish Premiership has taken the first step among UK domestic leagues to remove the long-standing Saturday 3pm broadcast blackout. The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has issued a tender inviting broadcasters to bid for live rights to all matches in the next rights cycle starting in 2029, including games kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays. Currently, such broadcasts are prohibited under Article 48 of UEFA’s statutes, a rule designed to protect attendances at lower-league and grassroots football. The move is expected to be part of a coordinated effort by UK leagues to modernize broadcasting arrangements in response to changing fan habits and growing demand for streaming. The blackout has been in place since the 1960s, but its relevance has been questioned as more viewers consume football digitally. By acting first, the SPFL positions itself to set a precedent for England’s Premier League and EFL, which are also exploring similar changes. If successful, fans could watch every Scottish top-flight match live from 2029, potentially boosting revenue for clubs but raising concerns about impacts on matchday attendance across the football pyramid. The tender’s outcome will signal the future direction of UK football broadcasting.