The Scottish Professional Football League has reportedly opened up the opportunity for broadcasters to show games at 3PM.

This applies to bidders for the period starting in 2029-30, and would lead to the end of the traditional blackout which prevents 3PM matches from being televised.

This blackout is an act of law, meaning that the SPFL could not simply lift the restriction themselves. However, it is reported that the league do not expect the SFA and FA to continue with the rule after the 2028-29 season.

This would have ramifications beyond Scottish football, ending a cultural tradition in favour of maximising domestic revenue throughout British football.

SPFL offer all Scottish Premiership matches to broadcasters

According to Sport Business, among the packages offered out by the SPFL is the opportunity to show every match from the 2029-30 season. The change will only happen if a suitable bidder comes forward.

The SPFL’s existing TV deal brings in around £33.5 million annually, with matches being shared across Sky Sports and Premier Sports. The latter owns the rights to show both national cups.

Allowing a significantly higher number of matches to be broadcast domestically could massively incentivise more bidders to come forward, bringing more revenue into the division.

If alternative bidders bring huge numbers to the table, we could witness the end of Sky’s reign as the primary broadcaster of the Scottish game.

However, clubs may not all be in favour of the blackout being lifted in fear of an impact on attendances. The Scottish Premiership remains the most attended league per capita in the world.

The SPFL said in their statement on the bidding process: “The Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has today issued an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for live UK broadcast rights for William Hill Premiership matches from season 2029/30.

“The SPFL has indicated that it is flexible about the number of games that it shows live in future and the ITT invites bidders to discuss their preferences with the league.

“The SPFL’s current agreement with Sky Sports allows the broadcaster to show up to 60 William Hill Premiership matches a season, with Premier Sports also showing up to 22 matches from Scotland’s top flight each year.

“Both agreements run for four years from season 2024/25 to season 2028/29. The separate contract with Premier Sports for broadcast and sponsorship rights in relation to the Premier Sports Cup remains in place until at least the end of season 2030/31 and is not affected by today’s announcement.”