The Premier League will introduce American-style television innovations next season, including touchline interviews with substituted players during matches, camera operators entering the pitch to film goal celebrations, and limited dressing room access.
These changes form part of the new domestic TV rights deal worth between £6.6 billion and £6.7 billion over four years, shared between Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
The innovations mark a significant shift in how English football is broadcast, with rights-holders gaining unprecedented access to players and behind-the-scenes areas.
The new package allows broadcasters to screen up to 270 live games per season, representing 70 more matches than the previous deal.
Players who have been substituted will be interviewed next season
PA
Sky Sports trialled the touchline interview format last season when Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier spoke to the broadcaster after being substituted in their 3-1 victory over Southampton in October.
Under the new arrangements, substituted players will be interviewed near the touchline whilst play continues, but only after they have sufficiently cooled down.
The touchline interviews represent a departure from traditional Premier League coverage, bringing the English top flight closer to broadcasting practices common in American sports.
Camera operators will be permitted to enter the pitch using Steadicams during goal celebrations, though insiders stress this will only be “for a matter of seconds” during these stoppages.
The practice mirrors coverage seen in American sports, where ESPN has long used roving cameras during NFL matches.
Dressing room access will also be granted but under strict conditions, with cameras never allowed during managers’ team talks.
The innovations will be limited this season and depend on club cooperation, with dressing room access and player interviews expected at two home games for each participating club.
Some managers are reportedly resistant to allowing cameras into their changing rooms.
Arsenal and Manchester City may resist the changes due to existing contractual commitments with their long-running documentary series.
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Cameras will also be allowed on the pitch after a goal is scored to capture the celebration
PA
The agreement comes amid broadcaster demands to keep pace with American rivals, with the Premier League seeking to protect future TV rights values as experts predict packages have peaked.
The new deal represents better value for broadcasters, with the cost per game falling from £10.19 million in the 2016-19 cycle to £6.2 million over the next four years.
The BBC will continue showing Premier League highlights on Match of the Day and Football Focus, whilst also gaining additional digital rights for its online platforms.
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