This was the decisive week for finalizing the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League for the 2027–2031 cycle, following the call for tenders launched by UEFA on October 13. L’Équipe reports that Canal+, currently the exclusive broadcaster of the competition in France, will retain the rights (as well as those for the Europa League and Europa Conference League).
“If the total value of the new contract is not yet known, it is expected to be slightly lower than the current one.”
“According to our information, after the second round of bidding held this Thursday for the 2027–2031 cycle, the encrypted channel succeeded in keeping all Champions League rights, including the two top fixtures — the Tuesday and Wednesday matches — as well as the final (which must also be broadcast free-to-air).
It also secured all other matches, the Youth League, magazines, match highlights, and social media clips. Competing against Canal+ were at least one new bidder, Paramount, as well as beIN Sports, its distribution partner.
That’s not all: the channel will also retain full rights to the other two European competitions, the Europa League and the Conference League. Although the exact value of the new overall contract has not been disclosed, it will be slightly lower than the current amount (480 million euros per season).”
Some will be pleased, others disappointed, likely depending on their current or planned subscriptions, but all media outlets agree on the outcome: Canal+ will remain the broadcaster of European competitions in France for many years to come. This seems preferable to a split that would force fans to juggle multiple subscriptions.
The hope now is for strong coverage, quality analysis, and a reasonably accessible price for fans. As for the clubs — particularly those in France — the decreased value of the rights is not necessarily good news for them.
