Disney+ secures Champions League broadcasting rights
Disney+ has won live broadcasting rights for men’s Champions League football for the first time, marking a significant expansion into elite European club competition, reports BritPanorama.
The US streaming giant emerged as the preferred bidder across multiple European markets in an auction covering 19 territories for the 2027-31 rights cycle, which wrapped up this week. Countries such as Sweden and Belgium are included in the deal, with the Belgian agreement reportedly extending to Europa League and Conference League coverage.
UC3, the joint venture between Uefa and European Football Clubs managing commercial operations for top-tier European tournaments, will formally announce all successful bidders. The deal underscores the Champions League’s expanding appeal among broadcasters and streaming services alike.
Uefa and UC3 secured price increases of between 20 and 30 percent on existing agreements during last year’s auction for rights in the five largest European markets — the UK, Spain, Germany, Italy, and France. The current round of sales is understood to have delivered further double-digit growth across the 19 territories up for auction, including Austria, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Portugal, and several Nordic and Central European nations.
When all tenders conclude, Uefa anticipates total television rights will surpass €5bn (£4.3bn) annually, alongside expected commercial partnerships generating over €1bn per year. Disney’s successful bids follow Paramount+’s acquisition of Champions League rights in the UK and Germany last November, highlighting streaming platforms’ growing appetite for premium football content.
This trend is likely to please clubs and domestic leagues, signaling rising demand for football broadcasting rights without pulling resources from established players like Sky Sports or TNT Sports. Disney has been steadily building its football portfolio over recent years, currently holding exclusive pan-European rights for the Women’s Champions League through to 2030, alongside Europa League and Conference League coverage in Sweden and Denmark.
The burgeoning competition among streaming services suggests a thrilling new chapter for football broadcasting, reinvigorating the fan experience while reshaping traditional viewing habits. As the landscape evolves, one can only wonder how this will transform the sport’s global resonance.
