UK: BT Sport acquires the rights to the European Cups for 2018-2021 cycle for £1.182bn (+31.8%)

BT Sport has acquired the rights to maintain its exclusive broadcasting rights, in the United Kingdom, to the Champions League and the Europa League for the 2018-2021 period, announced the British pay-TV group on 06/03/2017. BT will pay £394m per year (€456.2m) in the period, an increase of 31.8% from the previous cycle, said the British pay-TV channel.

BT, the exclusive holder of these rights for the 2015-2018 period (acquired on 09/11/2013), and before that the co-broadcaster with the free channel ITV during 2012-2015, retains the rights to broadcast 350 games played in total each season in the two European club competitions, as well as match summaries of all games. "BT will enhance its social media coverage to reach new audiences, by making clips, weekly highlights, UEFA’s magazine show, and both finals available for free on social media," added the British pay-TV operator.

UEFA launched the tender in the UK for the media and commercial rights to the Champions League and the Europa League for the 2018-2021 cycle on 18/01/2017. Bids had to be submitted no later than 01/03/2017.

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