Congress votes for Bill to air at least 10 Premier League games for free next season
Members of Parliament will be called to vote for a proposal that will allow at least 10 Premier League matches to be made available on free broadcast television each season.
The Liberal Democrats have introduced amendments to the football governance bill currently underway during Congress review.
The law aims to establish an independent football regulator that oversees male professional games across England’s top five divisions, apart from both the government and the football authorities.
If accepted, LIB Demendment will be appointed to the new regulator by ensuring that the top tier matches of choice and the championship, league 1, league 2 playoff finals will be displayed on the free access channel.
Currently, the UK operates a “listed events” structure that guarantees major sports events, such as the World Cup, Euro and FA Cup finals, and is accessible to the public without a subscription.
However, Premier League matches have been locked behind the paywall since the league formed more than 30 years ago, with the only exception being during the 2020 pandemic, when the BBC aired several matches.
MPS can vote on the proposal that at least 10 Premier League games will be available on free television every season. pic.twitter.com/z3fu1pne0o
– BBC Sports (@bbcsport) July 8, 2025
Lib Dems says they are optimistic that a vote will be made on the proposal. For a long time, the party has helped increase public access to major sporting events, and last year advocated reforms to make top-tier sports more accessible without the need for costly television packages.
Their model reflects the law introduced in Spain in 2022.
Rep. Max Wilkinson, a liberal Democratic spokesman for culture, media and sports, said:
“For too long, the jewels of the British crown have been trapped behind expensive barriers that keep fans out while lining up broadcasting pockets.
“It must end today, with a free air revolution that will bring the Premier League back into the country.”
However, the culture, media and sports sectors show no interest in changing the current framework. A government spokesperson commented, “The government has no plans to review the listing event structure.”
Despite the majority of workers at the Commons, the successful revision is unlikely, but Lib Dems hopes to beat many challenged lawmakers from other parties.
The Premier League has not provided any comments on the issue.
The Football Governance Bill is currently advancing to the House of Representatives reporting stage.
Lib Dems claims that watching all Premier League games currently airing will cost fans around £660 a year based on subscription fees if they watch live next season.