All Premier League 2 matches are set to be allowed to be live-streamed after broadcast restrictions have been removed, according to reports.
Previous restrictions blocked clubs from broadcasting any U21 Premier League 2 matches that clashed with Premier League action.
The rules left fans unable to tune into a significant portion of the U21 schedule, with Manchester United supporters at the forefront of those aggrieved due to the club’s rich history and following of the academy.
According to CityAM “Premier League clubs have been given permission to live-stream all of their U21 matches from next season in a change from the existing regulations.”
The report also added “while club websites are expected to take the lead in streaming matches next season, the rights could be taken to market in subsequent years if there is sufficient demand.”
The move comes after increased demand from fans who are more interested in tuning into their club’s academy matches than watching neutral Premier League matches.
The lack of academy coverage has been a constant complaint from United fans throughout the season as MUTV’s coverage was slashed compared to previous years.
The news that broadcast restrictions will be removed will have fans rejoicing but they may need to temper their expectations.
Although all of the u21s matches will now be able to be live-streamed, it is yet to be seen whether the club will choose to do so.
It has previously been reported by the MEN that MUTV’s drawback in coverage has been related to a lack of resources and club job cuts through the year.
During the 2024/25 season, MUTV only broadcasted 14 out of 35 fixtures for the U21s, which included only 8 out of 23 Premier League 2 matches.
While the cause for some matches not being shown were due to the aforementioned restrictions, it wasn’t the case for all.
This is evidenced by the fact that MUTV only broadcasted 21 out of 37 U18s fixtures despite there being no restrictions applied to the U18s competitions.
The 24/25 season saw a continuation of decreased coverage by MUTV with only 8 of 24 U21s matches being streamed in the 23/24 season as well.
The Peoples Person previously reported on the club’s disconnect with fans regarding the academy and their appetite to dive into the academy connection when it is convenient for publicity.
The club’s U18s won the treble in the 23/24 season but ended up celebrating their Premier League North title for the eyes of no one, as the match was not covered by the club.
Beyond live-streaming of matches, fans have been left in bewilderment at the club’s lack of a dedicated academy social media channel which many rival clubs offer, along with many U21s and U18s matches throughout the season being ignored by the club with no highlights or even a match report offered.
So, while the broadcast restrictions are set to be removed, fans will have to wait with bated breath to see if the club will reach into their pockets to take up the opportunity of live-streaming all matches.
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Colm Murphy
A football obsessed Canadian who moved to England to enjoy the beautiful game. Colm has been keen follower of Manchester United’s famed academy since seeing a fresh faced Adnan Januzaj for the club’s u18s and has been writing about football with a focus on youth development for over 10 years.
