In a potential watershed moment for sports broadcasting, streaming giant Netflix is leading the charge to acquire rights to the UEFA Champions League, according to a new report. This move signals a major strategic shift by UEFA to partner with global streaming platforms.
UEFA is overhauling its media rights strategy with the goal of generating up to €5 billion (£4.4 billion) annually from its top club competitions through 2030. A key part of the new tender is a global package for one marquee Champions League match per round, designed to attract digital giants.
According to the report, Netflix has expressed significant interest and is poised to submit a bid. They are not alone, however, with other streaming behemoths Amazon and Disney also reportedly in the running.
This shift towards streaming is driven by UEFA’s dual aims of improving global fan access through digital innovation and significantly increasing prize money for the participating clubs. If successful, a deal with a platform like Netflix would fundamentally change how the world’s premier club competition is consumed, moving it from traditional television to an on-demand streaming model.
