The Premier League gravy train could be set to hit the buffers if the latest television viewership numbers are anything to go by.
Sky Sports’ viewing numbers fell by ten percent last season, while TNT Sports suffered a 17% drop in total viewership.
The broadcasters claimed that the lack of a serious title challenge and an early conclusion to the relegation battle impacted the figures.
However, the spiralling cost of maintaining subscription services has forced many fans to seek alternative routes to Premier League coverage.
Illegal streaming has increased significantly and is unlikely to slow down while broadcasters continue to implement unsustainable price increases.
Sky has vowed to offer more value for money from next season by showing at least 215 live matches across its various channels.
However, this still leaves a significant number of games which fans are unable to access without additional subscriptions or by using illegal platforms.
While television companies have poured billions of pounds into the English top-flight, they would be foolish to think they can keep taking fans for mugs.
The same goes for Premier League bosses, who are running the risk of killing the goose that lays the golden egg if they don’t rein in their greed.
With Manchester City, Liverpool, Arsenal and the rest of the league relying heavily on broadcast income, they must heed the message sent by Premier League fans.
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