Public Ownership of Football’s Greatest Spectacle

Football in England is steeped in history, culture and community. For decades, it has pulsed through the veins of towns and cities alike, its reach stretching far beyond the stadium gates. Yet, in recent years, an invisible barrier has grown. Not a fence or a wall, but a digital paywall, gatekeeping the national game from those priced out of access. That might be about to change.

This week, MPs are poised to vote on a potentially game-changing proposal that could see at least 10 Premier League matches broadcast on free-to-air television every season, highlighted by a recent article from BBC Sport. Spearheaded by the Liberal Democrats, the amendment to the Football Governance Bill signals a call to tear down what many perceive as the commercialised stronghold over top-flight football.

Max Wilkinson MP, the Lib Dem spokesperson for Culture, Media and Sport, encapsulated the sentiment, saying:
“I’m urging MPs of all stripes to back our amendment to tear down the paywall and make Premier League games available on free to air channels.”

Learning From Spain’s La Liga Model

The proposed legislation, now at the report stage in the House of Commons, aims to install an independent football regulator. Crucially, it would also ensure that key fixtures like the League Cup Final, and play-off finals across the Championship, League One and League Two, are available without subscription.

This isn’t without precedent. Spain’s 2022 regulation now mandates that La Liga broadcasts at least one free game per week. The Liberal Democrats argue this model provides balance between public access and the sport’s commercial needs. Last year, the party pledged to broaden public access to top-tier events, and this move appears to be the natural evolution of that commitment.

They have every reason to be confident.
“The Lib Dems say they are confident that a vote will be granted on the proposal.”

Broadcasters in Decline, Fans Left Wanting

Subscription prices for watching the Premier League live next season have ballooned to £660 per year. This cost excludes additional charges for cup competitions or European matches. That financial wall is becoming increasingly steep for working-class supporters who once formed the sport’s core.

Meanwhile, viewership is beginning to wobble. Sky Sports saw a 10% dip in Premier League audiences last season, with TNT Sports down 17%. Whether that’s due to pricing, market saturation or shifting habits, the figures tell a story of waning connection.

Wilkinson’s warning carried weight:
“For too long, the jewel in the crown of British football has been locked behind an expensive barrier that keeps fans out while lining the pockets of broadcasters.”

Political Hesitation and Institutional Silence

Despite the support from the Liberal Democrats, resistance remains. A government spokesperson noted:
“The government has no plans to review the listed events regime.”
The Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock, added a cautionary voice:
“We all want to see more matches being televised free-to-air, but that must be balanced against that investment and not risk it… It would not be appropriate for the regulator to intervene in commercial decisions between the relevant broadcasters and rights holders.”

The Premier League itself declined to comment.

Yet the momentum feels real. If passed, this amendment could shift the dynamic, making the nation’s game more accessible once again. Not a full return to football’s past, but a small step towards reuniting clubs with their communities on a screen that doesn’t require a subscription.

Our View – EPL Index

It’s about time someone in power remembered what football is supposed to be. If this goes through, it could be the best thing that’s happened for fans in years. Ten games a season may not sound like a lot, but it’s a huge statement. Football belongs to the people, not just the ones who can afford a £660 subscription.

As someone who follows every second of the Premier League, this gives hope. Not just to me but to families, kids, pensioners and everyone who has felt priced out of the game they love. Imagine being able to watch your team in a top fixture without having to juggle multiple services or wait for highlights on YouTube.

Of course, there’s concern about how clubs will make up the revenue, but let’s not pretend this would bankrupt the Premier League. It’s still the richest league in the world. If La Liga can do it, so can we.

This move won’t fix everything overnight, but it sends the right message: football should be shared, not sold off in pieces.