In a move that will redefine how British football fans watch Europe's elite competition, Amazon Prime Video has secured exclusive UK rights to the Champions League in a landmark broadcasting deal.
The streaming giant will become the sole home for the entire tournament from the 2024/25 season, including the highly anticipated first all-English final to be broadcast behind a paywall. This represents the most significant shift in football broadcasting since the inception of the Premier League.
End of an Era for Free-to-Air Finals
For the first time in history, the Champions League final will move behind a paywall in the UK, ending decades of free-to-air coverage on ITV. The last publicly available final was the 2023 match between Manchester City and Inter Milan.
This change means fans will need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch Europe's biggest club match, with the service costing £8.99 monthly or £95 annually on top of any existing broadband costs.
Comprehensive Coverage Package
Amazon's coverage will include:
- Every single match from the group stages to the final
- Exclusive first-pick rights for Tuesday fixtures
- Full studio analysis and commentary teams
- All match highlights and on-demand content
TNT Sports will retain rights to Wednesday evening fixtures and one of the two quarter-final legs, ensuring some continued presence for traditional sports broadcasters.
Industry Reaction and Fan Response
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions across the football community. While many welcome the technological innovation and comprehensive coverage Amazon promises, others have expressed concern about the increasing cost of watching football.
Consumer groups have warned that the move represents another financial barrier for fans already struggling with the cost of living crisis. The deal follows similar moves by Amazon in securing Premier League packages, cementing their position as a major player in sports broadcasting.
With the new format featuring an expanded 36-team league phase, Amazon's coverage will bring more European football to UK viewers than ever before, albeit at a price that will change how generations of fans access the beautiful game.
