Paramount & Amazon Secure Champions League Rights in Key European Markets
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Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video will become the new homes of the Champions league in Germany, Italy, and Britain starting in 2027, marking a notable shift in how European football fans consume the sport. The deal, facilitated by UC3 – a joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) – underscores the growing power of streaming services in the world of live sports broadcasting.
Expanding Streaming Dominance in european Football
the media rights for the Champions League seasons from 2027-28 to 2030-31 have been sold to the streaming giants, with Amazon Prime Video officially confirming its participation. The Amazon service will broadcast the premier match each wednesday and expand its offering to 19 games per season,an increase from the current 17. Paramount+ will complement this coverage by showcasing all remaining matches on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
This move represents a continued fragmentation of sports broadcasting rights, requiring fans to subscribe to multiple platforms to follow their favorite teams. A senior official stated,”the Champions League is football’s premium product,the centrepiece of European football. Of course, it’s not easy for the fans when the rights are awarded to several broadcasters. it’s important that the fans can watch many matches.”
Market-Specific Broadcast Details
The broadcasting landscape will vary slightly across the three countries. In Germany, matches featuring a German team will continue to be available on free-to-air television, ensuring broad accessibility for key national games. currently,Prime Video holds the rights to the top Tuesday game in Germany,with all other matches exclusive to the DAZN streaming service.
In Britain, Paramount is poised to substantially outspend the current deal with TNT Sports, reportedly exceeding £1 billion ($1.3 billion), according to the BBC. Prime video will secure the first selection of matches played on Tuesdays. Paramount already broadcasts the Champions League in the United States, solidifying its position as a major player in global football coverage.
Implications for Fans and the Broadcasting Landscape
The acquisition of these rights signals a clear trend: live sports are increasingly becoming a key driver of subscription growth for streaming services. however, this shift also places a financial burden on fans, who will likely need to add another subscription to their existing entertainment expenses.
One analyst noted that the increased competition among streaming platforms for sports rights is driving up costs for both broadcasters and consumers. The evolving media rights landscape highlights the ongoing battle for viewership in the digital age, with UEFA and the European Football Clubs (EFC) leveraging the popularity of the Champions League to maximize revenue.
Why: UEFA and the EFC sought to maximize revenue from the Champions League broadcasting rights, capitalizing on the competition between streaming services.
Who: Paramount+ and Amazon Prime Video secured the rights for Germany, Italy, and Britain.UC3 facilitated the deal on behalf of UEFA and the EFC.
What: The deal grants Amazon Prime Video premier Wednesday matches (19 per season) and Paramount+ all remaining Tuesday and Wednesday matches from the 2027-28 to 2030-31 seasons.
How did it end?: The deal concluded with the
