Premier League clubs could be set for a major rise in the next TV deal - and a broadcast revolution.
The EFL has seen the value of their latest deal with Sky go up dramatically while UEFA are also predicting a huge increase in the next Champions League rights. That is almost certain to be mirrored in the next Prem TV deal which will start from 2025 but will go out to tender from the end of this year and start of next.
The fierce competition probably helped bump up the EFL deal and Sky Sports, BT Sport - to be rebranded as TNT - along with Amazon will face extra competition from rival channels like DAZN and streaming outlets such as Netflix, Disney and Apple. Premier League bosses could also look to offer increased access, extra TV opportunities and more behind-the-scenes interviews. A mini experiment is already being viewed as a big success and could therefore be written into the next deal.
Several clubs have happily embraced it in what has been called an “innovation game” trial with players, fans and even managers ready to sign up to ensure football does not get left behind compared to other sports.
Eagle-eyed viewers would have seen Brighton defender Adam Webster being interviewed in the dressing room before their win over Manchester United. They did similar for their game with Everton and manager Roberto De Zerbi would have done more had he not been ill.
Brighton, Newcastle, Bournemouth and Brentford are four of the Premier League’s most go-ahead clubs willing to try different things. Newcastle’s new ownership see the value of greater openness and showing dressing room celebration scenes after games.
The players are up for it, overseas audiences demand it - the Brighton access was used by the Premier League’s world feed and got great feedback from NBC in the US - and there will be a strong push for even greater access written into the next contract.
Clubs already have to do a set number of pre-match interviews with the manager or star player out on the pitch which also helps show the advertising boards while there may be opportunities to do half time interviews with managers.
Brighton’s Moises Caicedo even wore a body cam to show the players shaking hands before the United game which was another insight into the pre-match routine.
The last Premier League TV deal actually “rolled over” at the same £5.1m price because of the pandemic but the overseas rights will go up again and could soon usurp the domestic rights.
The next deal could go up dramatically and while that continues to happen, there is little chance the Premier League would realistically consider ditching broadcasters like Sky, BT Sport and the BBC to show games on their own platform.
Kiwior's Arsenal absence explained
Jakub Kiwior has played brilliantly for Arsenal in their last two games, leaving fans wondering why he was not chucked into the Premier League sooner.
But the Poland centre half arrived in January in an £18m deal but could not speak a word of English and therefore communication was a major issue until he picked up some language.
Allardyce's national anthem controversy
Sam Allardyce cut a striking figure when he returned to the touchline after taking over at Leeds.
Big Sam did not appear to sing the national anthem before kick-off at Manchester City which surely would have raised more eyebrows had it been any other former England manager.
He was, however, very animated during the game. That brought back memories of his days in the dressing room at Tampa Bay Rowdies where he was known as The Policeman. Why? One former team mate laughs because “all he did was stand there and wave his arms.”
Reality TV glimpse into chaotic transfer window
Made in Chelsea is set to provide an interesting insight this year into player transfer decisions.
Midfielder Cameron McGeehan, 28, is a free agent after leaving Belgian club Oostende, where he made 55 appearances and scored 10 goals after joining in 2020.
The ex-Stamford Bridge academy starlet is married to TV star Tiffany Watson from the hit Channel 4 show Made in Chelsea.
The celebrity couple are expecting their first child and are now weighing up a range of options at home and abroad for McGeehan's next club.
