UEFA and European clubs are expected to earn around £4.3 billion per season from their next television rights deal, beginning in 2027. The record-breaking deal could also bring major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney, DAZN, and Amazon into the Champions League picture.
The new plan includes a “global first-pick” match each round, which would allow one broadcaster to stream a top Champions League game worldwide. This option will be available during the upcoming tender for broadcasting rights covering 2027 to 2033, according to reports from the PA news agency.
The move aims to attract global streaming giants and boost UEFA’s annual media and commercial income to around five billion euros – a sharp increase from the current £3.3 billion per season.
However, fans may face higher costs if the rights become split between more broadcasters. In the UK, TNT Sports and Amazon already share coverage of UEFA competitions, and adding another streaming partner could increase subscription fees.
UEFA’s new media venture, UC3, a joint initiative with the European Football Clubs association, confirmed that the first tender will open on October 13.
It is still unclear how many stages of the competition the global pick will cover. The full worldwide deal cannot start before 2030 because CBS holds U.S. broadcasting rights until then. But it could still apply to other major territories earlier.
UEFA may also allow one broadcaster to buy rights across all five of Europe’s biggest TV markets for the first time. These markets in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain are expected to go to tender together, opening the door for one company to cover them all.
In addition, UEFA is considering longer contracts in Europe, possibly lasting more than three years, as it seeks to bring stability and higher value to future deals.
