Japanese satellite TV network, Wowow, has successfully renewed its exclusive rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League (UCL), UEFA Europa League (UEL), and UEFA Conference League (UECL) through the 2024-25 season. This move solidifies Wowow's position as a leading sports broadcaster in Japan.
Wowow will serve as the sole broadcaster and distributor of these prestigious European soccer competitions in Japan. The deal includes broadcasting select fixtures from the UEL, UECL, and also from the youth category of UCL - The UEFA Youth League matches.
The broadcasts will be available both via linear satellite broadcasts and on their On Demand OTT service - Wowow On Demand.
The upcoming 2024-25 season is set to introduce new expanded formats for all three leagues - UCL, UEL, and UECL. These changes include an increase in team participation from 32 to 36 teams per competition. Additionally, each side will now play eight games instead of six during the competition. Moreover, there is a significant change in structure with the group stage format being replaced by a single league table before progressing to knockout stages.
Wowow hold other elite sports' rights as well
Several top Japanese soccer stars compete across Europe's elite competitions making these rights an attractive prospect for Japanese viewership. Notable players include Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo who also captains Japan’s national team; Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo; and AS Monaco player Takumi Minamino.
In addition to securing exclusive rights for European football leagues' coverage until 2025 season end; Wowow holds several other elite sports rights within Japan: Rugby union’s Super Rugby Pacific competition, Golf’s Ladies PGA Tour, Basketball’s NBA, Tennis’ ATP Tour and high-profile boxing cards booked by promoters like Top Rank However, it's worth noting that Wowow ended its 20-year relationship with Spanish soccer’s top-tier LaLiga competition in May 2023.
Recent rights deals for UEFA Champions League
Wowow's announcement of the UCL rights renewal is the latest in a string of rights deals for this elite tier Champions League matches. Most recently, multinational pay-TV broadcaster Canal Plus secured the rights to broadcast UCL, UEFA Youth League, and the annual pre-season UEFA Super Cup in Poland.
Wowow continues to be a dominant player in sports broadcasting within Japan. The renewal of exclusive broadcasting rights for European football leagues will further enhance their offerings and cater to an enthusiastic audience of sports fans and sports betting fans alike.
