Disney+ has acquired the rights to broadcast live men's Champions League matches for the first time, marking a significant shift in football broadcasting towards streaming platforms. The Walt Disney Company's subscription service has been named as the preferred bidder in several key markets worldwide.
UEFA's Tender Process
UEFA's commercial arm conducted a bidding process for Champions League rights for the 2027-31 cycle across 19 markets, including Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, South America, Sweden, and Switzerland. On Thursday, it was announced that Disney+ had successfully secured rights in Brazil, Central America, Mexico, South America, Denmark, and Sweden.
Streaming Giants Take Over
This development follows Paramount+'s acquisition of rights in the UK and Germany for the same period, announced in November. These deals highlight a clear trend away from traditional broadcasters towards digital-first platforms. UEFA noted that the "evolution is being driven by the continued growth of global, digital-first platforms."
The total value of UEFA's TV rights is expected to exceed €5 billion (£4.3 billion) annually once all tenders are completed. The processes are managed by UC3, a joint venture between UEFA, the European Football Clubs lobby group, and commercial rights distributor Relevent Football Partners.
Disney's Growing Football Portfolio
Disney already holds rights to the Women's Champions League across Europe until 2030, as well as the Europa League and Conference League in Sweden and Denmark. It also broadcasts the Copa del Rey in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland, and the DFB-Pokal in Sweden, Denmark, and Finland.
Other companies that secured rights across the 19 markets include Sky, DAZN, Warner Bros Discovery, Canal+, Paramount+, Premier Sports, and Viaplay.
Industry Reaction
Karl Holmes, general manager of Disney+ EMEA, said: "UEFA club football brings some of the most exciting nights in sport - the midweek games, the knockout ties, the energy around the biggest fixtures - moments that stay with you long after the final whistle. We're particularly proud to bring our customers in Sweden the UEFA Champions League men's and women's competitions for the first time ever - alongside the renewal of UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League across Sweden and Denmark."
He added: "As we continue to grow our sports offering in Europe, fans can enjoy the biggest football nights across the UEFA Champions League men's and women's competitions, alongside the stories they already love on Disney+."
