MPs Could Vote on Free-to-Air Premier League Proposal

MPs in the House of Commons could be set to vote on an amendment to the Football Governance Bill that would require at least 10 Premier League matches per season — plus the League Cup Final and play-off finals across the Football League — to be shown on free-to-air broadcasters such as the BBC or ITV.

The amendment has been tabled by the Liberal Democrats, who describe it as a “free-to-air revolution” intended to make top-level football accessible to all, rather than locked behind expensive subscription services.

Max Wilkinson MP, the Lib Dem culture spokesperson, said: “For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier … that must end today — with a free‑to‑air revolution that gives the Premier League back to the country.”

He also highlighted the cost of watching live football, saying fans could face up to £660 per year under the current subscription model.

Supporters of the amendment point to Spain as a model: following a 2022 law change, La Liga now broadcasts one free game per week via streaming platform DAZN.

However, the amendment faces resistance. A DCMS spokesperson stated there are no plans to review the existing “listed events” regime. The Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, previously expressed concern that mandating free-to-air matches could reduce the commercial income reinvested into the football pyramid.

MPs will debate the amendment during the report stage of the Bill this week, following a similar proposal at the committee stage last month.