Despite the allocation of rights to Movistar for the 2024-27 club competitions cycle, UEFA has unexpectedly opened a last-minute tender process in Spain for broadcast rights to the top-tier Champions League matches.
In a surprising move, European soccer’s governing body UEFA has initiated a last-minute tender process in Spain. This comes despite UCL rights having already been allocated to Movistar following a process that took place mid-2023. The current rights cycle extends from the start of the 2024-25 competition, set for mid-September, through 2026-27. The new tender was launched on August 20 with a deadline set for September 12. It is detailed on the UEFA tender site as being a second one specifically designed for Spain.
Movistar, owned by Telefónica and known as one of Spain's leading pay-TV operators, retained its rights to UCL action last year. This deal also covered broadcasting privileges for second-tier Europa League and third-tier Conference League matches. According to GlobalData Sport, this agreement was valued at just over $1.05 billion overall.
Timing and Implications
This unexpected unveiling comes ahead of the draw scheduled on August 29th for the group stage of the upcoming season's UCL tournament. Four La Liga clubs - Real Madrid, Barcelona, Girona and Atletico Madrid - are among those participating in this draw.
Spanish teams have consistently performed well in UEFA men’s club competitions; Real Madrid alone has won six times since 2014.
From next season onwards (2024-25), Europe’s premier club competition will adopt an expanded single-league format with an increase from current participation of 32 teams to now include up-to-date total of 36 teams playing across an increased number of 189 matches.
Changes in the league format
The Europa League and Conference League will also see an increase in size next year, with the total number of matches rising from 282 to 342. The first group stage games from the revamped UCL are scheduled to take place on September 17.
In terms of recent UEFA club competition media rights deals for the next cycle, earlier this month Prima Sport and Digi Sport Romanian pay-TV networks renewed their rights. In addition, Caribbean Premier Sports Limited (CPSL) organization has recently acquired rights for broadcasting in the Caribbean region. This deal includes coverage by Rush Sports, Flow Sports, and Sports Max channels owned by CPSL for the upcoming club competition cycle.
