Source: REUTERS/John Sibley
[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, the Premier League is requiring all clubs starting next season to grant broadcasters the right to film inside the locker rooms or conduct player interviews during matches. The new domestic broadcasting contract worth £6.7 billion will take effect in August, with Sky Sports and TNT Sports hoping to obtain more rights; the Premier League has expressed support for this. It is reported that the Premier League is negotiating with clubs to expand the broadcasters’ rights, aiming to reach an agreement before the annual conference next month. Some clubs have shown openness to allowing filming in the locker room, but some coaches strongly oppose cameras entering what they consider sacred spaces. Traditional Big 6 teams are reportedly resisting most strongly, with some clubs suspecting that Big 6 teams want to retain behind-the-scenes content for exclusive use on their own social media channels, thereby strengthening their already significant commercial advantages. The Premier League needs 14 clubs’ support to commit to a broadcasting contract. According to the proposal, each team would be required to open the locker room, accept mid-game player interviews, or interview substituted players in two home games per season. Broadcasters are most eager to obtain locker room footage, with other options being compromises to accommodate resistant clubs. The Premier League warns that if additional rights are not provided, future broadcasting contract values may decrease.