Parliament set to vote on bill to make at least 10 Premier League games free-to-air next season

MPs are set to be called to vote on a proposal that would make at least 10 Premier League matches available on free-to-air TV each season.

The Liberal Democrats have submitted an amendment to the ongoing Football Governance Bill, which is currently under parliamentary review.

This legislation aims to establish an independent football regulator that will oversee the men’s professional game across England’s top five divisions, separate from both the government and football authorities.

If accepted, the Lib Dem amendment would task the new regulator with ensuring that select top-tier matches – along with the League Cup Final and the play-off finals for the Championship, League One, and League Two – are shown on free-to-access channels.

Currently, the UK operates a ‘listed events’ regime that guarantees major sporting occasions, such as the World Cup, Euros, and FA Cup final, remain accessible to the public without a subscription.

Premier League games, however, have been locked behind paywalls since the league’s formation over three decades ago, with the only exceptions being during the pandemic in 2020 when the BBC aired a few matches.

MPs could be set to vote on a proposal to make at least 10 Premier League games available on free-to-air television each season ⚽👀 pic.twitter.com/Z3Fu1PNE0o

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The Lib Dems say they are optimistic that a vote will be held on their proposal. The party has long supported increasing public access to key sporting events and last year advocated for reforms to make more top-tier sport available without the need for costly TV packages.

Their model mirrors legislation introduced in Spain in 2022, which mandates that at least one La Liga match each week is shown free-to-air.

Max Wilkinson MP, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, said: “I’m urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels.

“For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters.

“That must end today – with a free-to-air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.”

However, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport signalled no interest in changing the current framework. A government spokesperson commented: “The government has no plans to review the listed events regime.”

Despite Labour’s significant majority in the Commons, which makes the success of the amendment unlikely, the Lib Dems hope to win over a number of dissenting MPs from other parties.

The Premier League has not offered any comment on the matter.

The Football Governance Bill has now advanced to the report stage in the House of Commons.

The Lib Dems argue that watching all currently televised Premier League games live next season will cost fans around £660 per year based on subscription rates.

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