EFL to televise Saturday 3pm matches as TV blackout loophole is found after 65 years
SKY SPORTS will broadcast every EFL kickoff on the opening weekend - including matches starting at 3pm.
This year's EFL schedule sees League One and League Two kicking off on August 1.
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The Championship will begin seven days later on August 7, with the Premier League starting a week after on August 14.
Under Uefa's article 48, the 3pm blackout applies when 50 per cent of games in the top two divisions kick off at 3pm on a Saturday.
It has been in force since 1960 and is designed to protect attendances at lower league clubs.
Due to the staggered start of the EFL season, Sky can take advantage of the 50 per cent loophole.
Every 3pm match from League One and Two on the opening weekend will be shown live on the platform.
On the second weekend, five games from the two divisions will be televised as the Championship kicks off.
The EFL will release this season's fixture list on Thursday at midday.
While Sky are set to announce every game moved for TV coverage by July 3.
The broadcaster wants to give fans adequate time to prepare for any scheduling changes.
Every TV match up until the FA Cup third round in early January will be confirmed by that date.
Sky Sports is also increasing its Premier League live offering from 128 to 215 matches.
52 top-flight fixtures will also be shown exclusively on TNT Sports.
All non-3pm Saturday Premier League games will be televised live for the first time next season.
It will see up to seven Prem matches available each weekend.
Dana Strong, Group CEO, Sky said: "This is a fantastic result for Sky customers, who will see a significant increase in the number of matches from the most iconic league in the world.
"Sky is the undisputed home for sport fans in the UK."
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