Scottish football could lead the way in ending the long-standing 3pm television blackout that prevents live broadcasts of matches on Saturday afternoons. Currently, games cannot be shown live between 2:45pm and 5:15pm on Saturdays in the United Kingdom, a rule designed to protect attendances at lower-league matches.
The potential shift comes as Scottish football authorities explore new broadcasting arrangements that could challenge the traditional blackout window. If successful, the change could pressure English football to follow suit, altering the landscape of live football coverage in Britain.
Dale Johnson, football issues correspondent, reported on October 29, 2026, that discussions are underway to reconsider the restriction, which has been in place for decades.
