Revival of Elite Athletic Competitions in the British Isles
Following the UK government's approval, English professional sports, including the Premier League, are set to resume amid COVID-19 restrictions. The resumption will focus on a phased and safe return, primarily without fans initially. Matches will be broadcast to maintain fan engagement and revenue streams.
Key developments and conditions around this resumption include the evolution of broadcast strategies. Initially, some matches not selected for regular broadcast were available on pay-per-view (PPV) platforms, but this was met with criticism. Subsequently, the Premier League assigned all matches to main broadcast partners, including additional coverage by BBC and Amazon Prime.
Rights agreements were renewed without tender due to the exceptional circumstances of the pandemic, maintaining the existing broadcasting structure from the 2019/20 season through to 2024/25. This move ensures stability for the league and broadcasters during the uncertain period.
Financial impact and recovery are pivotal. Premier League clubs' revenues sharply declined in 2019/20 but are projected to rebound strongly in 2020/21. The return of the league is expected to provide a potentially bumper revenue year, though uncertainties remain regarding the timing and scale of allowing fans back into stadiums and the broader effects on commercial partners.
The return of fans to stadiums is planned cautiously, with hopes for a "V-shaped recovery" in financial terms and a return to relative normality by the 2021/22 season.
Broadcast partners are planning to enhance football-related programming to reengage fans. Sky Sports, for instance, is reviving popular shows for the new seasons, aligning with the improved access to live matches and ongoing interest in the Premier League.
The resumption of sports will occur under strict infection control measures, including regular COVID-19 testing, social distancing, and initial exclusion of spectators. Horse racing has already resumed in the UK, with the first race since mid-March taking place in Newcastle on June 1.
The Premier League plans to restart on June 17, after a 100-day suspension. Aston Villa will face Sheffield United, and Manchester City will play against Arsenal on June 17, with BBC Sport broadcasting four games, marking the first time they will broadcast Premier League games in full. Sky Sports will broadcast 64 games, with 25 of them being free.
The health and wellbeing of all participants and fans is the top priority, as emphasized by Premier League CEO Richard Masters. Organizers must establish a one-way system for pedestrian and vehicle traffic at venues where possible. The resumption is subject to all safety requirements being met from June 17 onwards.
The return of sports will save the livelihoods and businesses of the entire industry, including the British betting industry, which had previously seen a decrease in turnover. The full fixture list will resume from June 19, after the initial two games.
DCMS Minister Oliver Dowden stated that the framework provides a safe environment for competition to resume, while Dr. Jerry Hill, the BHA's medical advisor, led the development of the guidelines for horse racing under consultation with Public Health England. The resumption of sports is a significant step towards normality amidst the ongoing pandemic.
What about the resumption of other sports like European-leagues football and horse-racing? The Premier League's broadcast partners are planning to extend football-related programming to reengage fans, and the European football leagues might follow suit. As for horse-racing, it has already resumed in the UK, with strict infection control measures in place. Could we see a similar return for European leagues football, considering the success of the Premier League's resumption under COVID-19 restrictions?
