Turkey's public-service broadcaster, TRT, has secured an exclusive deal to broadcast European soccer’s UEFA club competitions free-to-air for the next three-year cycle (2024-27). The matches will be shown on the TRT 1 and TRT Spor channels, as well as the new Tabii digital platform.
The agreement includes coverage of top-tier UEFA Champions League (UCL), second-tier Europa League, and third-tier Europa Conference League (to be renamed the Conference League from 2024-25). Additionally, rights to the new Champions League format ‘opening tournament’, UEFA Youth League, and the new Europa Super Cup are also part of this comprehensive deal.
This significant shift comes after Team Marketing - UEFA’s partner agency for media and commercial rights sales across its club competitions - went to market in Turkey in late December. The deadline was set for January 22nd for bids to be submitted.
TRT tumbled past TV8 to win FTA rights for next cycle
In contrast with previous cycles where media rights were held by subscription streaming service Exxen and free-to-air television channel TV8 (2021-24), this move marks a change. Prior to that period, BeIN Sports owned UCL rights from 2018-19 to 2020-21 while Saran Media had rights to the Europa League matches during that time.
All matches involving Turkish clubs will air on TRT's linear channels - TRT 1 and TRT Sport - and most games will be available on Tabii's digital platform.
One notable example is Galatasaray which featured in this year's UCL group stages. This enhanced access is expected to boost engagement among sports fans across Turkey.
TFF also have their domestic leagues tender open
This deal concludes one of two major rights processes in the country. Earlier this month, the Turkish Football Federation launched a tender for domestic rights for Turkey Super Lig and Turkey 1. Lig matches for the next three-year cycle (2024-25 to 2026-27). Interested parties have until February 14th to submit their bids.
Currently, BeIN Sports and Digiturk hold rights to both leagues under a two-year partnership extension signed in June 2022 running from the 2022-23 season to the conclusion of 2023-24.
In related news, UEFA has also launched tenders for rights to its club competitions during the same cycle (2024-27) in Romania as well as 'in-ship and in-flight'.
The acquisition by TRT marks a significant shift in sports broadcasting landscape within Turkey. This move is expected not only to enhance access for fans but also potentially reshape sports betting dynamics within Turkey. As we look forward, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact fan engagement and overall soccer culture across Turkey.
