RIP PPV? What happens next in pay-per-view debate
Supporters’ groups were united in their criticism of the model.
The unpopular pay-per-view model in the Premier League is set to be scrapped after this weekend’s matches, the PA news agency understands.
Here, PA takes a closer look.
– What’s the background?
The Premier League announced on October 9 that for the remainder of the month, matches which had not been selected for regular live broadcast by Sky Sports or BT Sport would be available to watch on one of those broadcasters’ box office services, at a cost of £14.95 per match. A broadcast solution had been required with fans still unable to attend matches due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The pricing was immediately criticised by Sky’s own pundit Gary Neville and by the Football Supporters’ Association.
– What did the Premier League and the broadcasters say?
– Where are we now?
Top-flight clubs met on Thursday and it is understood they favour ditching PPV after this month’s international break.
– Why have the clubs changed tack?
Supporters publicly boycotted the PPV matches, with many choosing to donate the money to charitable causes such as food banks instead. The situation regarding the virus is also different compared to a month ago, with the country now in a second lockdown.
– What happens next?
– So PPV still applies this weekend?
Yes. The PPV games this weekend are Brighton v Burnley, Crystal Palace v Leeds, West Ham v Fulham, West Brom v Tottenham and Arsenal v Aston Villa.
– What will they do instead, with fans still not able to attend matches?
– Could PPV come back?
A review of broadcast arrangements will take place in the new year, but given how deeply unpopular pay-per-view proved, it seems unlikely it would be resurrected even at a lower price.
