What - every match in the UK sold to subscription viewers? Can't we even watch Shildon play Hemel Hempstead?
I'm sure the BBC can still afford to screen Shildon vs Hemel Hempstead.
However if they ever get to the Premiership they can't.
It's actually not that absurd. The BBC never (in my memory) showed many live football games from the top division. My memory has always been of Match of the Day highlights.
Pay-per-view actually offers the chance to watch live games on TV, something that was rarely available >20 years ago.
My son and his friends will often pay for a one off game or a boxing match and make an evening of it. Get 10 friends around, have some beers, split the cost so it's a couple of quid each. It's certainly more fun, and cheaper, than going to the actual event.
I've been to Old Trafford a few times over the last 10 years and, on several occasions, spent more time trying to get out of the car-park than the game lasted. I'm happy to watch the highlights on match of the Day, like I've done for 50 years.