Amazon has secured 17 first-pick Champions League matches per season from 2024, breaking BT's exclusive grip on live coverage in the UK. The BBC will also broadcast highlights on a new Wednesday-night Match of the Day, marking the return of Champions League action to terrestrial TV for the first time since 2015.
BT retains the majority of rights, with 187 of 204 games in the expanded format, but at a reduced cost of £917m over three years – a 23% drop from the previous £1.2bn deal. The company will continue to hold exclusive UK rights for the Europa League and Europa Conference League, bringing its total live games to 533.
Amazon's deal, its biggest UK sports-rights acquisition, guarantees top Tuesday night fixtures involving English teams up to the semi-finals. Alex Green, managing director of Prime Video Sport Europe, called it 'a truly momentous moment for Prime Video in the UK.'
Barbara Slater, BBC director of sport, highlighted the broadcaster's 'unrivalled reach' in bringing the tournament to the widest audience. The move comes amid rising living costs, potentially drawing viewers away from pay-TV.
Analysts note Uefa increased overall rights value to about £1.5bn by opening the tender to more bidders. Paolo Pescatore of PP Foresight warned fans may face higher costs, but added that BT's joint venture with Warner Bros Discovery provides long-term certainty and more games for less money.
