Streaming Showdown: Netflix Reportedly Set to Make Big Offer for UEFA Champions League Rights
Netflix could be making a major move into live sports, according to recent reports. The streaming giant is said to be planning a bid for UEFA Champions League rights, potentially covering one match per round starting in 2027.
If Netflix secures the deal, it would mark a big change in how fans watch one of the world’s top soccer competitions. UEFA is revamping its media-rights strategy for the 2027–28 season, shifting focus from traditional national TV deals to international streaming platforms that can reach a global audience and bring in bigger revenue.
Currently, UEFA earns around €4.4 billion a year from media rights, and the organization hopes to push that number past €5 billion. Experts say that if big tech companies like Netflix start competing for these rights, the total could go even higher.
This move fits into a larger trend. Amazon Prime Video already streams a weekly Champions League match in parts of Europe. Apple holds global rights for Major League Soccer, and Disney is expanding through ESPN and Disney+. Netflix entering this space seems like a natural next step.
Netflix is not new to sports. The company gained attention with documentaries like Drive to Survive and Break Point, focusing on behind-the-scenes stories rather than live events. But Netflix has tested live sports too. Its Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight drew over 65 million streams. The platform even aired an NFL game on Christmas Day without major problems.
Netflix has also secured U.S. streaming rights for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031. A Champions League match would fit well into its growing sports portfolio, giving fans another reason to tune in live.
It is still unclear if Netflix will win the bid, but the line between traditional TV and streaming continues to blur. Live sports could be the key factor that pushes streaming fully into the same league as traditional broadcasts.
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