In a major shake-up for British sports broadcasting, TNT Sports is set to lose its rights to air the UEFA Champions League, with the streaming service Paramount+ poised to take over coverage from 2027.
The Streaming Giant's Winning Bid
According to reports, the American-owned platform Paramount+ is in pole position to win the bidding contest to broadcast the prestigious European competition in the UK. The company submitted a substantial bid on various packages for UEFA’s club tournaments, signalling a significant expansion of its sports portfolio. This move is a logical step for Paramount+, which already provides Champions League coverage to fans in the United States and has recently bolstered its offerings by acquiring the rights to broadcast UFC events.
TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, has been the home of the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League since the 2015-16 season. It first secured the rights in 2013, outbidding rivals Sky Sports and ITV. Despite this loss, TNT Sports will continue to broadcast some Premier League and FA Cup games until at least the end of 2029.
Implications for Football Fans
This potential shift means that for the first time, UK football enthusiasts will need a Paramount+ subscription to watch the Champions League. Currently, live football coverage is already fragmented across several platforms, including TNT Sports, Sky Sports, Amazon Prime, and the free-to-air BBC for some FA Cup matches.
The addition of a fourth paid subscription service will inevitably increase the monthly and yearly cost for fans who wish to follow all the major competitions. Many supporters have already been vocal about their displeasure at the rising total expense of watching live football, and this change is likely to amplify those concerns.
A Complex European Bidding Process
The bidding process for these valuable rights is being managed by the agency Relevent Football and is notably complex. The auction is said to be conducted simultaneously for five major European markets: the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France.
This simultaneous approach adds a layer of complexity and increases the likelihood that different broadcasters will secure different packages of rights in each country, further diversifying the viewing landscape across the continent.
