Ahead of the 2025/26 season, the Premier League is set to introduce a series of new rules to enhance TV coverage and bring fans closer to the game. For the first time, substituted players will be interviewed on the touchline. Camera operators will also have increased access, including being allowed on the field to capture close-up footage of goal celebrations and entering the changing rooms. The new broadcast innovations are part of a record-breaking £6.7 billion TV rights deal in the UK that begins in the 2025-26 season.
- Substituted players will be interviewed on the touchline.
- Camera operators can enter the field of play for goal celebrations.
- Access will be granted to changing rooms, with some restrictions.
- These changes are part of a new £6.7 billion TV rights deal.
This rule change is more than a technical update to broadcast coverage; it is a symbolic opening of the locker room door, revealing the unseen emotions and human stories behind the sport. By interviewing substituted players and capturing intimate celebrations, the Premier League is allowing fans to experience the raw, unfiltered emotions of victory and defeat—the joy of a goal, the frustration of being taken off, the camaraderie of the team. This move empowers fans by educating them on the psychological and emotional toll of the game and fostering a deeper connection and empathy with the players they support. It is an exchange that transforms the viewing experience from a mere observation of a game to a shared human experience of the passion and dedication that fuels it.
FAQ
- When will these new rules take effect? These new rules will be in place for the 2025/26 season.
- Will cameras have full access to changing rooms? No, there will be some restrictions, such as not being allowed in during team talks.
- Why are these changes being made? The changes are part of a new TV rights deal designed to enhance coverage.
