Armchair football fans without Sky or BT Sport could be able to watch some live matches on free-to-air TV, a minister has indicated.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden said a loophole in licencing deals could allow free channels to show matches at 3pm on Saturdays.
The Cabinet Minister offered a fresh boost to supporters' hopes of seeing Premiership games even if they do not subscribe to the paid-for channels.
Broadcasters have previously been banned from screening matches kicking off at 3pm on Saturdays amid fears fans would opt to stay in and watch TV rather than attend a game.
But with matches due to take place behind closed doors when the season resumes amid the coronavirus pandemic, there is no longer a reason for the protection.
Speaking at the No10 press conference, Mr Dowden said: "I think that creates an opportunity for us to be able to get some sport, some Premier League, free-to-air.”
He added: "Those discussions are ongoing."
Mr Dowden also offered fresh hopes holidaymakers might be able to take UK staycations from July.
Insisting he “would love to get the tourism sector up as quickly as we possibly can”, he admitted: "Clearly, we can only do it if it's safe to do so because I think the worse thing for our tourism sector would be to start, then see the R rate rise out of control, see a second peak that overwhelms the NHS that we then have to slam on the brakes again.”
The Culture Secretary also revealed £150million would be raided from dormant bank and building society accounts to help charities, social enterprises and vulnerable people during the pandemic.
The funding comes on top of a £750million pot announced by the Chancellor for charities.
Sector bosses have told how charities' incomes have been hammered by the outbreak, with the vast majority of fundraising activities suspended.
