Full Breakdown
Disney+ Secures First Live Men’s Champions League Rights
4/30/2026, 10:35:43 PM
Core Event: Disney+ Wins Live Broadcast Packages
Disney+ was named the preferred and significant bidder for men’s UEFA Champions League live broadcast packages in several European markets for the 2027-31 cycle. The auction spanned 19 territories—Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Central America, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Mexico, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, South America, Sweden and Switzerland—with Disney’s winning bids understood to include Sweden.
Background & Context: UEFA’s Commercial Arm and Recent Rights Shifts
UC3, UEFA’s commercial arm formed with the European Football Clubs lobby group, has managed Champions League rights sales since 2022. In the prior auction, it secured 20-30 % increases on deals in the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, Italy and France. In 2025, UC3 appointed the American agency Relevent Football Partners, ending a 30-year relationship with the Swiss agency Team, and Paramount+ acquired rights in the United Kingdom and Germany.
Key Figures & Groups
- Disney+ – U.S. streaming platform acquiring its first men’s Champions League live rights.
- UEFA – Governing body projecting TV-rights revenue above €5 billion annually.
- UC3 – Joint commercial venture of UEFA and European Football Clubs, overseen by Relevent Football Partners.
- Paramount+, Sky Sports, TNT Sports, DAZN – Existing rights holders referenced in the auction context.
Data & Statistics: Scope and Value of the Deal
- The auction spanned 19 TV markets in Europe, the Americas and Central America.
- UEFA projects total TV-rights revenue above €5 billion (£4.3 billion) per year, with commercial deals adding over €1 billion annually.
- Disney already holds exclusive pan-European women’s Champions League rights through 2030 and rights to the Europa League and Conference League in Sweden and Denmark.
Why It Matters: Shifts in Football Broadcasting
The acquisition marks the first live men’s Champions League rights secured by a U.S. streaming service, expanding the competition’s distribution beyond traditional broadcasters. Clubs and domestic leagues have welcomed the outcome, noting it reflects growing demand for football rights without diverting resources from established broadcasters such as Sky Sports, TNT Sports or DAZN.
Official Statements & Responses
UEFA, UC3 and Relevent Football Partners declined to comment on the specific outcomes of the auction. The agencies confirmed that the tender process was completed and that the winning bidders will be announced by UC3 in due course.
Timeline of Recent Developments
- Nov 2025: Paramount+ acquires Champions League rights in the United Kingdom and Germany.
- 2025: UC3 appoints Relevent Football Partners, ending a 30-year relationship with Team.
- 30 Apr 2026: Auction for 2027-31 Champions League rights concludes; Disney+ emerges as bidder in multiple markets.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
No contradictory information was identified in the available sources. Details of the exact financial terms of Disney+’s bids and the full list of markets where it secured rights remain undisclosed.
