UEFA Revamps Champions League with New Format and Streaming Deals for 2027–28

UEFA has announced significant changes to the Champions League format and broadcasting rights, set to commence in the 2027–28 season. These modifications aim to enhance the competition's appeal and adapt to evolving media consumption trends.

Beginning in the 2027–28 season, the reigning Champions League titleholder will inaugurate the competition with a standalone home match on the first Tuesday of September. This fixture will be the sole match that evening, providing exclusive attention to the defending champion's kickoff. Subsequent opening-week games will be distributed across Wednesday and Thursday.

UEFA, in collaboration with the European Football Clubs group (EFC) and U.S.-based agency Relevent, has entered into a six-year commercial agreement extending through 2033. This partnership aims to elevate annual revenues from UEFA club competitions to over €5 billion, up from the current €4.4 billion. A key component of this strategy is the introduction of a global streaming partnership. Platforms such as Netflix, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime are potential candidates to secure rights to a premium 17-game package, which includes the final. Offers for this package are due by November 18, 2025.

For the first time, UEFA is offering a multi-market, four-year deal model, designed to reflect evolving media trends and attract major global digital platforms. This tender spans the five major European markets—France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK—and is open until November 18, 2025.

The Champions League has undergone several format changes since its inception. The most recent significant alteration occurred in the 2024–25 season, transitioning from traditional group stages to a league phase involving 36 teams. The upcoming changes in 2027–28 continue this trend of adapting the competition to modern demands and opportunities.

These developments signify UEFA's proactive approach to maintaining the Champions League's prominence in the evolving landscape of global sports entertainment.