Since spending more than £1 billion in 2015, BT Sport has had the sole right to broadcast the Champions League in the UK. However, with UEFA wanting to boost income, Amazon may make a move.
Amazon has agreed to broadcast the Champions League in the United Kingdom as part of their ongoing effort to establish a presence in the world of football broadcasting.
Following a victory over competitor Sky Sports in 2015, BT Sport presently holds the UK’s exclusive rights to the most prestigious competition in Europe. Their current exclusivity cost £1.2 billion and will last through the completion of the 2023–24 season.
Sources assert that Amazon has a deal since UEFA dropped its exclusive policy. They will now broadcast some matches from the 2024–2027 seasons of the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League.
The majority of the rights will remain with BT Sport, which will also be allowed to air extra matches. According to reports, during the course of three years, the total value of the rights has climbed to €1.7 billion, an increase of almost 20 percent, with Amazon contributing the majority of the additional funds.
In addition to breaking the monopoly on Premier League broadcasting in the UK, Amazon already has a deal to telecast Champions League matches in Germany. In accordance with their existing arrangement, they broadcast 20 live matches every season and have offered a significantly distinct offering to their competitors by broadcasting a complete gameweek simultaneously.
With a research in 2020 suggesting there was a 35% surge off the back of Premier League football, Amazon feels that broadcasting live sports will increase the number of Prime members.
The significant changes that will be implemented, including as the addition of four new clubs and the need that each side play eight group games, coincide with the expiration of the present broadcasting agreement.
As a result, UEFA anticipates seeing a 20% boost in revenue over their previous agreement. In addition, they intend to offer highlights packages to interested parties, with ITV being one of them.
Recently, especially after the Liverpool vs. Real Madrid Champions League final in May, BT’s coverage has come under criticism. The start of the game at the Stade de France was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to the use of outmoded police tactics outside the stadium.
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