US media company Paramount has secured the rights to broadcast most UEFA Champions League matches in the UK from 2027 to 2031, in a deal worth over £1 billion. This replaces TNT Sports, which has held the rights since 2015, while Amazon Prime will continue showing one Tuesday game per matchday. Sky Sports has also won exclusive rights to all Europa League and Conference League games from the 2027-28 season.
The announcement marks a significant shift in UK football broadcasting, following a competitive auction managed by UC3—the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs—and Relevent Football Partners. Paramount's bid exceeded the current £1 billion three-year deal held by TNT Sports, which paid £917 million previously but saw revenues drop 23% from earlier cycles. Sources indicate the new four-year agreement reflects UEFA's strategy to target digital platforms and boost revenues beyond the current €4.4 billion annually, aiming for €5 billion by 2027.
TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport, expressed disappointment but prioritized financial sustainability. A spokesperson stated: “Ultimately we remained committed to the approach that made financial sense for our business, and for our customers.” The loss leaves TNT with Premier League, FA Cup, and other rights, but reduces its European portfolio significantly.
Meanwhile, Sky Sports returns to European football after a 12-year absence, securing all 342 Europa League and Conference League matches per season. Sky’s chief sports officer, Jonathan Lich, said: “I’m proud that we’re able to bring European football competitions back to Sky customers. The UEFA Europa League and Conference League have delivered some of the most exciting European stories in recent years, with English clubs consistently performing strongly and lifting trophies.”
For fans, the change fragments viewing further, requiring additional subscriptions alongside Sky, TNT, and Amazon. Paramount+ costs £4.99 monthly in the UK, potentially bundling with existing services like Sky Cinema. The deal also covers Germany, with Amazon retaining top picks in the UK, Germany, and Italy. UEFA views this as validation of its expanded 36-team league format, which increased games and broadcasting value by 18% in top markets.
