EFL clubs are set to discuss potential changes to broadcasting arrangements today (Thursday) which could bring an end to the Saturday TV blackout.
Games played at 3pm on Saturdays are prohibited from being screened on TV or streamed online to protect ticket sales, but some clubs believe revenue streams are being missed as a result.
The i reports Bristol City, Bristol Rovers and their fellow EFL members will be shown a presentation at their two-day annual league meeting on future broadcasting options ahead of the Sky Sports TV deal expiring in 2024.
It is understood that some clubs are eager to see changes made to broadcasting regulations, allowing the iFollow service to be expanded to cover games played during the traditional blackout. As it stands, only fans based overseas can stream these games. However, the report suggests other clubs fear the ability to watch games from home will affect attendance.
According to the report, there is a level of support from some of the 72 clubs that future TV contracts include the Championship only, allowing League One and League Two teams to charge supporters £10 per game to stream fixtures online.
Many clubs and fans alike believe the current TV deal does not cater enough for third and fourth-tier teams – Rovers did not feature on television once last season despite being one of the bigger clubs in League Two and ultimately winning promotion – and removal of the blackout and freedom to broadcast their own games could give them more control. However, they would have to weigh that up against the guaranteed revenue that a contract with Sky or another big broadcaster provides.
No decisions are expected regarding the blackout at this week's AGM in Chester, with discussions said to be in their infancy. Should the EFL decide to remove the blackout in future, approval from UEFA would be required.
Also on the agenda at the meeting is supporter behaviour, with clubs set to discuss how to tackle the problem of pitch invasions since fans have returned after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bristol Live understands a FA investigation into the events after Elliot Anderson's decisive goal towards the end of Rovers' 7-0 victory over Scunthorpe United is still ongoing, more than a month after the game which took place at the Mem.
Referee Charles Breakspear threatened to call the fixture off after fans streamed onto the pitch in the 85th minute, causing a significant delay. A 16-year-old was given a banning order by Avon & Somerset Police last month after admitting assaulting a Scunthorpe player during the pitch invasion.
