Government back call for WSL games to be exempt from Saturday blackout

12/04/2023 Soccer

Government support call for Women’s Super League games to be exempt from live Saturday TV blackout in bid to boost revenue, viewing figures and fan attendance

  • Review recommended  a dedicated broadcast slot for the women’s game
  • Most matches shown at either 11.30am on a Saturday or 6.45pm on a Sunday
  • We expected perfection from VAR – we haven’t got it: Listen to It’s All Kicking Off 

The Government has suggested women’s football should be given an exemption from the 3pm TV blackout in order to significantly increase broadcast and commercial revenue.

A Government-led review, chaired by former England footballer Karen Carney, was published in July and made 10 recommendations – one of which was carving out a dedicated broadcast slot for the women’s game.

The majority of Women’s Super League matches are broadcast at either 11.30am on a Saturday or 6.45pm on a Sunday, which the review claimed has not worked in maximising both viewing figures and fan attendance at matches.

An exemption from Article 48 of UEFA’s statutes, which allows the FA to implement a live football blackout between 2.45pm and 5.15pm on Saturdays, was listed as a possible option in Carney’s review.

This would require support from the Premier League and the EFL. The Government noted that there would be a ‘legitimate question’ about recompensing the women’s game should an exemption not be granted.

The majority of Women’s Super League matches are broadcast at either 11.30am on a Saturday or 6.45pm on a Sunday

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‘It is the Government’s view that revoking Article 48 for women’s football alone is one viable option to support the women’s game, and significantly increase its broadcast and commercial revenue,’ the response said.

‘We recognise that there are challenges to this with the men’s game, but it does not feel credible to hold the women’s game back on this basis when it would generate significant revenue for a game that has lagged behind commercially.

‘If there is reluctance to revoke Article 48, or find a suitable and credible alternative slot, there is a legitimate question about recompensing the women’s game for this missed opportunity for revenue.

‘We encourage the FA, Premier League, English Football League and broadcasters to convene at pace to begin discussions about a bespoke broadcast slot, Article 48, and financial flows, and request an update at the first meeting of the implementation group in March 2024.’

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