Uefa Aims for Streaming Giants in Upcoming TV Contracts
European clubs poised for revenue boost as Uefa seeks over £4 billion annually from new broadcasting agreements
Uefa is setting its sights on generating substantial profits from the sale of broadcasting rights as it anticipates making upwards of €5 billion (£4.3 billion) each year from the upcoming contracts related to the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. This push for increased revenue is indicative of the evolving landscape in sports broadcasting.
Current Broadcasting Landscape and Future Prospects
- The existing broadcasting contracts, which began in 2024, are estimated to generate approximately £2.9 billion annually.
- Uefa plans to introduce new agreements commencing in 2027, which will likely lead to enhanced financial returns.
- A tender for these rights will be issued this month, and the deals may span six years, potentially doubling the length of current arrangements.
Potential Impact of Streaming Services
Streaming platforms like Amazon, Disney, and Netflix could be granted the rights to showcase select high-profile matches, although the exact duration of their coverage within the competition remains uncertain.
Bidding Process and Revenue Distribution
Broadcasters will be allowed to compete for rights across several major markets, including England, Spain, France, Italy, and Germany. Presently, clubs competing in the Champions League benefit significantly, receiving nearly 75% of the revenue from Uefa’s rights sales, with 17% assigned to Europa League clubs and 8% to those in the Conference League.
In the UK, TNT and Amazon Prime currently broadcast live European matches, with BBC Sport managing highlights across various platforms, including a dedicated highlights program on BBC One.
Structure of Competitions Remains Unchanged
The recently introduced league format involving 36 clubs for all three tournaments will remain intact, despite any shifts in broadcasting strategies.
Uefa President Addresses Future Strategies
In a recent address to clubs during the European Football Clubs’ general assembly in Rome, Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin highlighted the organization’s commitment to evolving and engaging with fans in innovative ways. He emphasized the importance of leveraging digital platforms to reach wider audiences and enhance the overall football experience, stating, “Together we are building something unique with ambition, to deliver the most engaging football.”
Ceferin’s remarks underscore Uefa’s strategy to attract new fans and sustain European football’s prominence in a rapidly shifting media environment.
