More than 200 live Premier League TV games a season could be shown in rights shake-up



More than 200 live Premier League TV games a season could be screened from 2019 under plans being considered by club chairmen.

The Times reports that the shake-up could see Saturday 7.45pm kick-offs added while the Daily Mail suggests more 11.30am or 12noon Sunday games could be considered.

Under the Premier League's £5.1billion current TV deal - which runs until the end of the 2018-19 season - Sky and BT show 168 live games a season. They feature Saturday lunchtime and tea-time kick-offs,  Sunday afternoon, Monday and Friday nights and some midweek and bank holiday games.

Club chairmen will decide on the plans later in the year before inviting bids from broadcasters for the next set of live UK TV rights.

The new deal will see at least 190 live TV games screened, although the Premier League are considering taking that number over 200.

That could see less than 180 matches kicking off in the traditional 3pm Saturday slot and in reality it could be even fewer on European weeks when some teams play on Sunday even if not selected for TV coverage.