Champions League: Movistar Plus+ & RTVE Extend Broadcast Rights to 2031

Telefónica Secures UEFA Rights Through 2031, Solidifying movistar Plus+ as Spain’s Sports Leader

A landmark agreement ensures that Telefónica’s Movistar Plus+ will remain the premier destination for UEFA football competitions in Spain for the next four seasons, while also guaranteeing free-to-air coverage of the Champions League final through 2031.

The deal,valued at €1.464 billion, extends Movistar plus+’s broadcasting rights to include the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League, Youth League, and European Super Cup from the 2027/2028 season through 2030/2031. According to a company release, the renewal provides “stability, quality and choice” for subscribers, reinforcing Movistar Plus+’s position as an “absolute benchmark” for sports and entertainment within Spain.

Did you know? – UEFA’s decision to award long-term rights reflects a desire for broadcast stability, allowing for better planning and investment in the competitions themselves. This approach contrasts with shorter-term bidding cycles.

This strategic move underscores the continued importance of live sports content in attracting and retaining subscribers in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape. The agreement covers a four-season cycle, beginning with the 2027/2028 season and extending through 2030/2031. why did this happen? Telefónica successfully bid to retain exclusive rights to UEFA competitions, demonstrating their financial strength and commitment to sports broadcasting in Spain. Who was involved? The key players were Telefónica (through Movistar Plus+), UEFA, and RTVE. UC3, a joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC), managed the rights auction.

Notably, public broadcaster RTVE has also secured the rights to broadcast the Champions League finals until 2031, following an award from UC3 – the joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) – for the 2027-31 cycle. This ensures that the culmination of Europe’s most prestigious club competition remains accessible to a broad audience.

Pro tip: – Sports rights deals are often bundled,meaning broadcasters acquire rights to multiple competitions concurrently. This provides greater value and audience reach.

The most recent Champions League final, featuring Real Madrid’s victory over Borussia Dortmund at wembley Stadium on June 1, 2024, captivated a notable Spanish audience, reaching an average of 6,176,000 viewers and achieving a 48.8% screen share. A total of 10,399,000 viewers tuned in at some point during the broadcast.

This ample viewership demonstrates the enduring appeal of the Champions League and the value of securing its broadcast rights. The continued partnership between Telefónica and UEFA promises to deliver high-quality football coverage to Spanish audiences for years to come. How did it end? The agreement concluded with a signed contract between Telefónica and UEFA,solidifying Movistar Plus+’s position as the primary broadcaster. What is the impact? Spanish football fans will continue to have access to top-tier UEFA competitions, with the added benefit of free-to-air Champions League final coverage.

Reader question: – How will this deal affect the cost of Movistar Plus+ subscriptions for consumers? Share your thoughts on the balance between premium content and affordability.