Norwegian commercial broadcaster, TV2, has successfully renewed its rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League (UCL) pan-European men’s soccer action for the next three seasons. The new deal will run from the start of the 2024-25 campaign through 2026-27.
TV2 currently holds UCL matches rights in Norway during the ongoing 2021-24 cycle. Olav Sandnes, TV2 Group’s managing director, confirmed that they have struck an extension of their existing deal with European soccer’s governing body UEFA.
Olav Sandnes, TV2 Group’s managing director, said:
“We secured these rights despite strong competition from other players. We cannot comment on what this costs, apart from the fact that such rights are not sold on the cheap.”
This renewal signifies a continuation of a fruitful partnership between TV2 and UEFA and ensures that Norwegian fans will continue to enjoy high-quality coverage of one of Europe's most prestigious football tournaments.
TV2 accepted new format changed dynamics for tender process
The tender process for UCL media rights in Norway and other Nordic markets (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden) was quite lengthy. It began on October 25 with a deadline for bids set at November 28. Over four months passed since bids were submitted before UEFA and its Team Marketing partner agency made their decision regarding UCL media rights.
From the start date of this new contract - the 2024-25 season - Champions League will adopt a single-league format. This change means expanding from current participation by 32 teams to include up to 36 teams and increasing matches from current count of 125 games to incorporate as many as 189 matches.
Olav Sandnes added:
“It was extra important to secure the Champions League now that they are introducing an extended format where the world's best club tournament gets an even more prominent position in the calendar. There will be more teams, more matches, and more weeks of the world's best soccer.”
Before this renewal by TV2 for Norwegian UCL action, Viaplay held these broadcasting rights in that market.
Despite no Norwegian side making it past group stages this season – Molde was knocked out at playoff stages by Turkish club Galatasaray – Norway has contributed several star players involved in knockout stages of this year's UCL. These include Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Arsenal's Martin Ødegaard.
TV2 remain hub for both women’s and men’s UCL in Norway
TV2’s soccer portfolio is not limited to the men’s Champions League. It also includes a selection of UEFA Women’s Champions League matches, as announced in a deal last November.
In other news related to UCL media rights, Canal Plus' Polish arm announced in late March that it had secured exclusive rights for broadcasting in that market.
This renewal by TV2 ensures continued access for Norwegian fans to high-quality coverage of one of Europe's most prestigious football tournaments. The new format from 2024-25 promises more action and excitement with an expanded number of teams and matches.
