The Premier League has launched a new streaming service, Premier League +, that will broadcast all 380 matches of the upcoming season exclusively in Singapore. This move has ignited anger among football fans in the United Kingdom, who face significantly higher subscription costs and existing broadcast limitations.
Premier League + will be available to fans in Singapore for approximately £25 per month, offering complete access to every game. Paul Molnar, Premier League Chief Media Officer, stated that Singapore was chosen as the "perfect place to introduce this new experience."
In contrast, fans in the UK are required to subscribe to services like Sky Sports and TNT Sports, with combined costs often exceeding £100 per month. Some packages can even surpass £200. Furthermore, the UK's "3pm blackout" rule prevents the live broadcast of certain matches during that time slot, a restriction that Premier League + will not enforce for its Singaporean subscribers.
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism on social media. Many UK fans have expressed outrage, calling the situation an "absolute joke" and "criminal." One prominent fan account noted that the cheapest UK packages provide access to only 267 out of 380 games, with no legal means to watch the remaining 113 matches, while Singapore receives the full package for half the price.
Fans also pointed out the additional financial burden of the £180 TV license fee in the UK, required for accessing public service broadcasters like the BBC, which shows some FA Cup matches. In Singapore, telecommunications company StarHub offers a bundle that includes Premier League, FA Cup, and Community Shield coverage.
The new streaming service was announced on Wednesday, ahead of the new Premier League campaign which begins next Friday with the champions Arsenal hosting Coventry City.