Football fanatics, brace yourselves! The game is about to change, and not in the way many expected. For years, DAZN has been the go-to platform for electrifying Champions League action. But get ready for a major shake-up because starting in the 2027/28 season, the coveted Champions League TV rights are heading across the pond to the USA! That’s right, DAZN and Sky have been outbid, leaving fans needing new subscriptions to catch their favourite teams battle it out for European glory.
The Big Switch: US Broadcasters Take Over
The UEFA Champions League, the pinnacle of European club football, is set for a dramatic shift in its broadcasting landscape. For the seasons spanning 2027/28 all the way to 2030/31, the media rights have been secured by two major American players: Paramount+ and Amazon. This means the days of DAZN holding the majority of the live matches are over. Sky, which also put in a bid, will also be missing out on the action. This news has been widely reported across various media outlets, sending ripples through the football community.
Who Shows What? A New Viewing Schedule
So, how will this new deal impact your viewing habits? Here’s the breakdown:
- Tuesday’s Top Match: Get ready to tune into Paramount+ for the premium clash every Tuesday.
- Wednesday’s Showstopper: Amazon will be the place to be for the biggest match on Wednesdays.
- All Other Games: Paramount+ has scooped up the rights to all remaining matches on both Tuesday and Wednesday.
There’s a crucial caveat for German fans: if a German team makes it to the final, that match must be shown on free-to-air television within Germany. This ensures that even those without subscriptions can witness their nation’s hopes potentially lift the coveted trophy.
DAZN Isn’t Empty-Handed: Europa League & Conference League Secured
While DAZN might have lost out on the main event, they’re not leaving empty-handed. They have successfully secured the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Europa League and the UEFA Europa Conference League. These rights were previously held by RTL until 2027, so DAZN will be taking over from them.
What About Right Now?
Before you panic, the current broadcast arrangement remains in place until the end of the upcoming season. So, for now, you can continue watching the Champions League as you are used to: Amazon Prime Video will show the top Tuesday match, while DAZN will broadcast all other games. The final will still be available for free on ZDF. This transitional period gives fans time to adjust to the upcoming changes.
The Bidding Frenzy: How it All Went Down
The auction for these lucrative media rights was a major event, managed by the US agency Relevent on behalf of UC3 (a joint venture between UEFA and the European Football Clubs association). This was Relevent’s first major tender in Europe, taking over from the long-time marketer, Team. The bidding process kicked off in mid-October, and it’s clear that the competition was fierce, with significant interest from major broadcasters aiming to secure these premium sports rights.
Key Takeaways from the New Deal:
| Competition | Broadcaster(s) from 2027/28 | Current Broadcaster(s) until 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Champions League | Paramount+, Amazon | DAZN, Sky, ZDF (Final) |
| Europa League | DAZN | RTL |
| Conference League | DAZN | RTL |
This seismic shift in broadcasting rights highlights the growing influence of US media giants in the global sports market. Football fans will need to stay informed and perhaps prepare for a new set of subscriptions to keep up with all the continental action.