Sony Pictures Networks (SPN), the Indian media conglomerate, has secured a three-year contract renewal with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) for broadcasting rights to its trio of club competitions. This deal ensures that SPN will continue to broadcast these competitions in India through the end of the 2026-27 season.
The renewed agreement allows SPN, via its Sony Sports Network channel and SonyLIV OTT streaming service, to air UEFA’s Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League matches.
The conglomerate has held these rights since the 2017-18 season and had previously extended them midway through the 2021-22 season in a deal set to conclude with the 2023-24 campaign. This latest extension solidifies their partnership further.
Football is starting to find its foothold in Indian audience
While cricket remains dominant in India and local sports like kabaddi have a strong following, soccer is steadily gaining popularity as one of India's most-watched sports. In response to this growing interest, SPN introduced regional language coverage for its UEFA competitions in 2020.
According to Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at SPN, this move has significantly boosted viewership numbers.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer at SPN, said:
“Since 2020, UEFA Champions League viewership in India has surged by over 51%, attributed largely to the introduction of regional language commentary.
“With the forthcoming transition to a new format, featuring over 125 additional matches and up to 38 early kickoff matches per season tailored for Indian audiences, we are confident that this growth will gain momentum further.”
UEFA’s new format has opened a big door for broadcasters
Starting from the 2024-25 season onwards, all UEFA club competitions will operate under a new format where each team will play eight matches during the opening group stage instead of six games as per current rules. This change means more fixtures than ever before within these prestigious tournaments.
Under this agreement with UEFA: Over 1,600 matches from these three competitions will be aired by SPN, which already holds several prominent European soccer rights in India. SPN's portfolio also includes Germany's top-tier Bundesliga and DFB Pokal knockout cup competitions. England's FA Cup and EFL Cup matches are also included.
In addition to club competitions, SPN is partnering with UEFA to showcase its men's national team competitions in various countries including India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka through 2028. European Championships 2024 and 2028, friends scheduled between 2022-23 and 2027-28 seasons, the UEFA Nations League international competition, and qualifying rounds for the FIFA World Cup matches are included in this.
This extended partnership between Sony Pictures Networks and UEFA ensures that soccer fans across India will continue to enjoy access to some of Europe's most exciting football action for years to come.
