Football fans could watch some Premier League games on YouTube for FREE when chiefs get the go ahead to re-start the 2019/20 after the coronavirus hiatus.
With games set to be played behind closed doors, all 92 remaining matches in the English top flight matches are set to be shown live on TV on streamed online.
There are plans to re-start the 2019/20 Premier League season and finish in time so the next campaign is not affected by the current hiatus
While there are plenty of arguments why the campaign should NOT be completed amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there is pressure on the Premier League to finish the season to protect £762million in TV money that would otherwise have to be repaid to the broadcasters.
A ball hasnt been kicked since March 13, and there are plans in the works to resume action in neutral grounds on June 12 to finish by the start of August.
According to The Times, proposals are being discussed with broadcasters Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon to share the games across their paid-for TV platforms and free-to-air channels on YouTube.
Most of the matches would be broadcast on Sky and BTs paid services, but a number would be shown by newcomers Amazon, according to the plan.
The BBC would potentially be permitted to show highlights more often, but it is unlikely any games would be live on terrestrial TV.
The government has raised the idea of matches being available on free-to-air platforms, but will not push for them to be on terrestrial TV.
Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top of the table and two wins away from being crowned Premier League champions for the first time since 1990
The Times also claim senior figures in the broadcasting industry has said suggestions to scrap relegation would risk making the TV contracts invalid, as it would basically turn the majority of the remaining fixtures into meaningless friendlies.
Of the 92 matches left to play, 47 were already planned to be shown live and most of those on Sky, which holds the majority of the rights.
The other 45 would be split between Sky, BT and Amazon Prime, with supporters embracing the recent developments with online viewing, with the American shopping giant already broadcasting 20 games over the Christmas period.
Meanwhile, 11million people tuned in to watch last seasons Champions League final on BT Sports YouTube account.
Darren Lewis says footballers shouldnt be asked to play football during the pandemic – We must look at the bigger picture.
A source involved in the talks is quoted in The Times: The idea is that all the games would be available somewhere to watch as they are behind closed doors and YouTube is the obvious platform to show some games for free. Amazon would have the ability to get some games as they are a live broadcast licence holder as well.
Both Sky and BT will be very unhappy if it is decided to scrap relegation. There are always some great relegation battles at this point in the season which are brilliant entertainment.
For example Norwich have matches still to play against Watford, West Ham and Brighton. If theres no relegation then they are meaningless.