The Premier League is reportedly planning to change how goal celebrations are broadcast starting from next season.
The English top-flight is to allow cameramen to enter the pitch when capturing goal celebrations in a bid to enhance the viewing experience of supporters watching on TV, as reported by The Mirror on May 6.
Steadicams will be used to capture the best possible footage when getting up close and personal with players after a goal is scored. Up to now, broadcasters have relied on players celebrating in areas of the pitch where cameras are present to get close shots.
Most fans will be aware of the use of steadicams once a match is ended, when cameramen are permitted to enter the pitch and capture shots of players as they usually celebrate with players, console the other team or acknowledge fans.
Another initiative that will begin to become more common is broadcasters recording the reactions of commentators and pundits following goals and significant moments, according to The Daily Mail.
Companies like TNT have already begun incorporating this into their content strategies. For example, last month, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Savage and Darren Fletcher shared their live reactions to Manchester United’s extra-time winner against Olympique Lyonnais in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final.
Clips such as the one above have received mixed opinions from supporters, with some arguing commentators should be neutral, while others enjoy the reactions and multi-layered coverage.
What’s not up for debate is the online traction these clips generate. Broadcasters can share them across social media to engage younger audiences, who increasingly prefer fan reaction shows on platforms like YouTube over traditional TV coverage.
These two initiatives also allow broadcasters to increase the value of their product, aligning with the Premier League’s push to use innovation to drive audience figures.
From the 2025/26 season, a record 267 matches will be broadcast live each year under a landmark £6.7bn domestic rights deal. Sky Sports will air 215 games per season, while TNT Sports will show 52.
When the league announced the new deals in December 2023, Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming.
“We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League.”
