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The BBC will begin showing Champions League highlights from next season. (Image: Getty)
Champions League highlights will be available on free-to-air television for fans for the next three seasons after a major announcement from the BBC. Next season’s expanded competition will consist of 36 teams, and will break from the traditional format with clubs being grouped into one big table and only eight guaranteed to qualify for the knock-out stages automatically, with those ranked ninth to 24th going into play-off games.
It means the overall number of matches will rise from 125 to 189, and in another huge change for UK fans in particular, it’s now been confirmed that TNT Sports will no longer have exclusive rights. The Beeb, who have never before had access to Champions League coverage, will now air a package on TV, iPlayer and online every European matchweek, showing highlights of the games.
BBC Director of Sport Barbara Slater labelled the new deal a ‘wonderful addition’ to their portfolio. Prior to TNT Sports taking over, it was ITV who shared coverage of UEFA’s premier competition between 1992/93 and 2014/15.
"We are simply thrilled to have won these rights,” she said in a released statement. "Our reach and ability to bring people together is unrivalled. We couldn't be more delighted that Uefa has recognised the value in our ability to bring the Champions League to the widest possible audience across the UK.
The BBC will broadcast Champions League highlights for the next three seasons. (Image: Getty)
“This package of highlights and digital content will allow football fans to follow the Champions League, wherever and however they like. The Champions League is a wonderful addition to our portfolio of football output on the BBC and we can't wait to get started in 2024."
The contractual agreement runs until the end of the 2026/27 Champions League, with UEFA’s broadcasting deal for those three years staggeringly worth more than £1.4billion. And Guy-Laurent Epstein, marketing director of the organisation, declared himself delighted by the BBC’s involvement, saying: "The BBC brand is synonymous with premium sport."
Amazon Prime Video have also been granted some live competition games. Despite their monopoly being diluted though, TNT has retained exclusive rights to show the Europa League and Europa Conference League.
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The Champions League will use an expanded format next season. (Image: Getty)
Premier League fans won’t be watching five of their sides in action in the competition though. The expanded format had raised the prospect of whoever finished fifth in the top-flight being granted automatic qualification but the poor performance of British sides in the knockout stages of European competitions this season has scuppered that notion.
Instead, it is the Bundesliga that has been granted an extra place. UEFA confirmed that development following Borussia Dortmund’s 1-0 win over PSG in their Champions League semi-final first leg on Wednesday night.
