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Streaming giants like Netflix, Disney, or Amazon could potentially secure exclusive first-pick global rights to one Champions League match per round from 2027. UEFA and European clubs are projected to rake in £4.3 billion a season in the forthcoming television rights sale, with Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Crystal Palace all set for a share of that pot.
The 'global first pick' option is set to be presented to broadcasters during the imminent tender for the rights to broadcast UEFA's club competitions from 2027 to 2033, according to the PA news agency. This may attract streaming services with global reach like Netflix, Disney, DAZN and Amazon.
Insiders close to the tender process have revealed that UEFA and European clubs are hoping to generate five billion euros (£4.3bn) in media and commercial rights revenue annually in the next cycle – a substantial increase on the £3.3bn per season secured for the current one.
The introduction of a global pick could result in additional subscription costs for viewers, as it could potentially divide UK rights across even more broadcasters, with TNT Sports and Amazon currently holding the rights.
UC3, a joint venture established between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), announced on Wednesday that it was launching the first rights tender for 2027 onwards on October 13.
At this stage, it remains unclear how far into the competition the 'global pick' option might extend.
The deal could not truly be 'global' until 2030, due to CBS' six-year deal in the United States running until then, but it would cover other territories.
There exists the prospect of a single broadcaster securing rights across all five of Europe's largest television markets.
It is anticipated that the sale of those rights will be put out to tender simultaneously for the first time, creating the opportunity for one broadcaster to acquire rights across all those markets.
Sources have also suggested UEFA may pursue agreements extending beyond three years in European markets for the first time.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin spoke broadly about the commercial power of the European game when he addressed the EFC General Assembly on Wednesday morning.
He said: "Through this joint venture, the game will grow. And with (marketing agency) Relevent at our side, we have the strongest team to make it happen.
"Together we are building something unique, with ambition. To deliver the most engaging football, the most innovative, the most accessible.
"To expand our core revenue streams. To inspire new fans to follow our competitions, to drive engagement with new audiences, especially in an ever-changing media and streaming rights landscape. And to make the most of digital platforms, we'll bring the game closer than ever to everyone.
"This is how we will strengthen our clubs and keep European football at the very top."
The upcoming cycle will mark the second since UEFA enlarged its club competitions, including the launch of a 36-team league phase in the Champions League.
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