The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and its partner agency, Relevent Sports, have issued broadcast tenders for the 2027-28 to 2030-31 cycle of top-tier soccer competitions in 19 markets. This move marks a significant step in the global distribution of these highly anticipated sports events.
The tender covers broadcast rights to European men's soccer's premier competition, the UEFA Champions League (UCL), starting from the 2027-28 season. It also includes rights to other prestigious tournaments such as the second-tier Europa League, third-tier Conference League, UEFA Youth League, and annual season-opening UEFA Super Cup. Countries included in this tender process are Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America regions including Mexico; Czechia; Denmark; Finland; Norway; Poland; Portugal; Republic of Ireland; Romania; Slovakia. South America (excluding Brazil), Sweden and Switzerland are also part of this list.
This essentially means that it extends across most parts of mainland Europe where rights have not been assigned yet and extends to South America as well. Interested parties have until April 21 at 2 pm Central European Time to submit their bids. A separate process will begin on March 30 in Hungary running until April 27. Earlier this year a similar tender was run in Netherlands between January 26 and February 26.
Previous allocations
Broadcasting rights for these competitions were previously allocated late last year in five major European markets: UK Spain Italy Germany France These allocations covered four seasons from (2027-28 to2030-31). This marked Relevent’s first venture into managing tender processes after replacing Team Marketing as UEFA’s sales partner late in 2024.
Globally speaking, UEFA aims to secure a 10% increase on the existing value of these rights. The current rights for the three-year cycle (2024-27) are worth approximately £2.9 billion ($3.8 billion) per year, with Champions League clubs earning nearly 75% of the revenue from UEFA’s rights sales. Apart from the major European markets mentioned above, UEFA and Relevent have also selected one or more preferred bidders in Albania, Kosovo, and Japan for in-ship and in-flight rights. These rights have been held by Sport24 service since their inception.
UEFA has announced that each season's first UCL game will be a marquee standalone fixture hosted by the winners of the previous season's competition. This match will take place on a Tuesday night with other opening games following on Wednesday and Thursday. As we move into the knockout phases of 2025-26 UEFA men's club competitions, these tenders going live mark an exciting time for sports fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
