Soccer

Sky Sports Considering Scrapping Pay Per View After Record Low Viewers

Photo of author

A general view of the stadium is seen before the English Premier League football match between Sheffield United and Manchester City at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, northern England on October 31, 2020. (Photo by Rui Vieira / various sources / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by RUI VIEIRA/AFP via Getty Images)

Both�Sky and BT Sport are reportedly�considering the new�Premier League�Pay Per View (PPV) system. The newly implemented system asks fans to pay �14.95 ($19.33) for Premier League matches not played on Sky or BT.�

Out of the twenty teams in the division, Leicester City were the only ones to reject the proposal. The move to bring back money lost due to the lack of fans in attendance has already backfired.

Fans met the decision with outrage across the UK. In the wake of a pandemic, the decision does not help the people in any way. Lockdown restrictions make it impossible for fans to watch the games at pubs or restaurants. Additionally, it’s also difficult to split the cost with others due to the newly imposed restrictions.

Extremely Low Viewership

These factors have led to extremely low viewership in the opening weeks of the season. PPV games this season have averaged a staggeringly low 39,000 viewers per game. No single match surpassed 100,000 viewers, and three games did not crack 10,000.

Boycotting for a Better Cause

Fans around the Premier League have united to use the money for a better cause. This started when Newcastle United fans raised and donated over �19,000 ($24,600) instead of paying for the game. The money went to the Newcastle Food Bank, which helps in giving meals to those in need. This is an incredibly important cause heading into a second lockdown for the UK.

The Future of Pay Per View

This underwhelming response has provoked Sky and BT to consider cancelling the service. Both companies are concerned about their reputations in this deal. They would likely make more money if they reduced the cost, as viewership would skyrocket. 

The current PPV program will be reviewed over the International Break in November, with Newcastle owner Mike Ashley suggesting to reduce the cost to ï¿½4.95 ($6.41) per match.

Leave a Comment