For the first time in decades, Texas high school football could be headed back to live Friday night television.
The UIL Legislative Council approved a proposed amendment Monday that would allow regular-season football games to be broadcast live on linear television beginning Aug. 1, 2027. The change still requires approval from UIL Commissioner Mike Morath before it becomes official.
Under the proposed rule, a school could appear on live television only if both participating schools agree before the game. That mutual-consent requirement would prevent networks from selecting games without input from the schools involved.
The proposal would mark a major shift from one of the UIL’s longest-standing broadcast restrictions. Since 1985, the UIL has prohibited live linear television broadcasts of regular-season Friday night football games. The policy was designed to protect attendance and preserve the traditional high school football experience.
That restriction remains in place for now.
If Commissioner Morath approves the amendment, schools could begin negotiating live television appearances for regular-season games beginning with the 2027 football season. The rule would apply to traditional linear television broadcasts, not just digital streams.
Web-based broadcasts are already permitted under current UIL guidelines, provided both schools agree. The proposed amendment would expand that option to include live television coverage.
The Texas High School Coaches Association spearheaded the proposal alongside the Texas High School Athletic Directors Association and the Texas Association of Broadcasters. Supporters believe live television could provide new exposure for programs while giving schools another opportunity to showcase their players, communities and stadium atmospheres.
The amendment would not force any school to appear on television. Both schools would need to approve the broadcast, meaning programs could continue prioritizing in-person attendance if they believe that is best for their communities.
That flexibility could lead to different approaches across the state. Some schools may welcome the chance to gain statewide or regional exposure, while others may remain cautious about shifting attention away from the stadium on Friday nights.
The proposal also does not change how postseason broadcasting rights are handled. Playoff games are subject to separate UIL policies and media agreements.
For Texas football fans, however, the potential return of live regular-season television would represent a notable change. Weeknight and weekend games have increasingly appeared on digital platforms, but Friday night television has remained largely off-limits under the UIL’s current rules.
The change would not take effect immediately. The current ban remains in place until the proposed amendment receives final approval and reaches its scheduled effective date.
If approved, the 2027 season could begin a new era for Texas high school football broadcasts — one in which some Friday night games return to live television, but only when both schools decide the spotlight is right for them.
