Halting of pay-per-view a huge win for Premier League fans
By Tom O'Keane
The Premier League has decided to suspend its pay-per-view model, following backlash from fans and the media.
The controversial pay per view model was abandoned this week, following an ongoing backlash against the pricing method. Premier League fans have been outspoken, criticising the model and its potential costs to consumers.
The pay-per-view structure would have seen fans pay over £14.95 per game or £74.95 per match-day. The Premier League issued the following statement regarding the departure from the pay-per-view model:
"The Premier League today announces that all fixtures from Saturday 21 November, and throughout the Christmas and new year period, will be made available to fans to watch live in the UK.Working with our broadcast partners, and with the support of clubs, all matches will be shown via existing Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon and BBC services."
All #PL fixtures from Saturday 21 November, and throughout the Christmas and New Year period, will be available for fans to watch live in the UK
— Premier League (@premierleague) November 13, 2020
➡️ https://t.co/86QTeDIFvK pic.twitter.com/vPzdClfkyN
Return of the Premier League pay-per-view model not ruled out
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The Premier League is looking likely to produce a similar model in the future, in order to economically support EPL clubs and broadcasters.
The English top flight, however, did confirm that the pay-per-view model will be reassessed before next year, saying:
"The agreement will be reviewed in the new year following consultation with clubs, broadcast partners and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums. (Via: premierleague.com)"
While this may be a temporary relief for Premier League supporters, the pay-per-view model is likely to return if fans are not able to return to stands before the end of the 2020/2021 domestic season.
Premier League clubs have suffered huge economical losses as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. As reported by ESPN FC’s Senior Writer Mark Ogden, the Premier League lost an estimated £700 million last season, partly due to the inability to have fans in the stands.
The pay-per-view structure was introduced to help support Premier League clubs who are facing severe losses in income, mainly from greatly reduced ticket and stadium revenue. A plan similar to the pay-per-view structure looks likely to supplement this loss in income.
Any arrangement similar to the pay-per-view subscription would likely be altered, due to the large backlash to the initial model. But for now, Premier League fans will be able to enjoy every match at no extra charge.
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The Premier League will return next week for Matchday 9, following this week’s International break.