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Lights, no cameras, action… - Stakeholders celebrate at launch of new JPL season; but no broadcast of opening games
August 22, 2025
Despite murmurings of uncertainty surrounding the start of the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season, Owen Hill, CEO of the Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL), assured it is full steam ahead as they approach the opening fixtures still without a broadcast partner.
"All systems go for Sunday," Hill said at the JPL media launch held yesterday at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) headquarters in New Kingston.
Hill admitted there will be no broadcast of games over the weekend, but promised broadcasting will return for the subsequent games.
This comes after an end in their relationship with Sportsmax, which closed operations earlier this month
"Everything is set for August 24. The only caveat I will put forth is that we may not have broadcast on day one, and again that there are a number of technicalities that we're working through," Hill explained.
"We had some challenges because of how early or late, if you want to call it that, that we advised so we had to find a new production partner so it requires us doing the right thing and a strategic decision was made."
He continued, "So no host broadcast on day one but we're definitely looking forward to the rest of the season for broadcast and distribution, not just in Jamaica but the world."
Hill took the time to also express his gratitude to Sportsmax.
"We expanded production and broadcast and I'm using the opportunity here to say thank you Sportsmax, you have significantly raised the bar. The reason why we have so many eyes here and so many people here and so many reporters who want to know, it's because the standards have been lifted."
MORE IMPORTANT
Hill said it is now more important than ever for the PFJL and JPL to continue lifting the league's standard.
He pointed to the recent departure of key players from the JPL into the international market, such as Cavalier's Richard King, Jalmaro Calvin and Dwayne Atkinson.
King and Calvin have both joined Scottish outfit St Mirren, while Atkinson has moved to the United States, joining Rhode Island FC.
"The pathways that we have built and the vehicle that we have constructed for players, many of whom are now carrying the Jamaican flag in professional leagues across the world," he reflected.
"The league is very necessary and the pathway that we have created by virtue of having this league is immense. I think that is our legacy and it is worth celebrating."
His words were echoed by JFF president Michael Ricketts.
"I must say thanks to our partners, without you, this exercise would be in futility. For those who organise and market the Premier League, the PFJL and JFF, who will partner in the organisation and execution of this year's Premier League, I really want to use this opportunity to express my absolute regards."
