Japanese satellite TV network, Wowow, has successfully secured a last-minute media rights deal to cover the upcoming UEFA men’s Euro 2024 matches. This move ensures that all 51 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live for a Japanese audience.
The partnership between CAA Eleven UEFA partner agency and Wowow was unveiled over the weekend. The agreement comes just in time for the 24-team tournament scheduled to take place across ten German venues from June 14 to July 14.
This deal represents an extension of Wowow's long-standing relationship with Euros. The network has covered all editions of the Euros live since the turn of this century.
Concluding major market rights sales
This latest development concludes UEFA’s rights sales process for major markets, following BeIN's acquisition of rights in France. For sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike, this news ensures comprehensive coverage of one of football's most prestigious tournaments.
During the previous men’s Euros held across Europe in 2021, subscribers to 'Wowow Members on Demand' service received on-demand access to every match upon its completion. It is expected that similar services will be offered during Euro 2024.
However, due to time differences between Germany and Japan, games are likely to air mostly late at night or early morning hours in Japan.
Wowow also have Champions League in kitty
In addition to securing broadcasting rights for Euro 2024, Wowow also announced in late April that it had retained rights to broadcast European club soccer’s elite competitions - UEFA Champions League matches as well as its second-tier competition - UEFA Europa League and third-tier competition - UEFA Conference League for the season spanning from 2024-25.
As part of this agreement, Wowow will serve as an exclusive broadcaster and distributor of the Champions League in Japan for the upcoming season. The network will also exclusively air selected UEFA Youth League fixtures and fixtures from lower-tier competitions.
Beyond soccer, Wowow holds rights to several other high-profile sports events. These include rugby union’s Super Rugby Pacific competition, golf’s Ladies PGA Tour, basketball’s NBA, tennis’ ATP Tour, and several high-profile boxing cards booked by promoter Top Rank.
This last-minute deal between Wowow and UEFA ensures that Japanese sports fans won't miss a moment of the Euro 2024 action. Whether it's late-night or early morning broadcasts due to time differences or on-demand access for subscribers - Wowow is committed to delivering comprehensive coverage of this highly anticipated tournament.
