Texas UIL proposal would allow live TV broadcasts of Friday night high school football starting 2027
The UIL Legislative Council has approved a proposal that would permit live television broadcasts of regular-season Friday night high school football games in Texas beginning Aug. 1, 2027, according to The Chron. The change still requires sign-off from Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath before it takes effect. Under the proposal, both schools involved in a game would need to consent to any broadcast, and the decision to televise would remain with the participating schools. The Texas High School Coaches Association, which backed the change, argued that broader TV exposure is needed to help the sport compete for viewers against college football. The current UIL rules prohibit live television broadcasts of those games, though online livestreaming is already permitted.
Why it matters
For coaches: Texas high school coaches would have a new platform to showcase their programs, though each school retains the choice to opt in or out of broadcasts.
For media: Texas broadcasters would gain access to a previously restricted inventory of live high school football content if the rule is approved.
For parents: Families of high school players in Texas may be able to watch games on live TV rather than only attending in person or streaming online.
For athletes: High school football players in Texas could gain significantly wider audiences if their Friday night games are broadcast on linear television.
Read the full story at Yahoo Sports
Sources
- Yahoo Sports: Texas high school football could make its Friday night TV debut under UIL proposal