The Premier League fixture between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur was not televised live in the UK due to the long-standing “3pm blackout” rule. This regulation prohibits the live broadcast of football matches between 2:45 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. on Saturdays, aiming to encourage attendance at lower-league games and protect grassroots football.
While this blackout applies within the UK, international audiences often have access to live broadcasts of these matches. For instance, in the United States, such games are typically available through streaming services like Peacock, NBC’s platform for Premier League coverage.
The “3pm blackout” has been a topic of debate, with some advocating for its removal to accommodate changing viewing habits, while others support its continuation to preserve the traditional football culture and support for lower-tier clubs.
