UEFA has approved a new change to the Champions League to maximize profits from television broadcasting, based on a marketing plan led by the American company Relevent.
Previously, the league stage or group stage used to start with a number of matches on Tuesdays, with the first round ending on Wednesdays. However, this will no longer be the case starting with the 2027-28 season.
According to The Athletic, UEFA has decided to hold only one match on Tuesday to open the league stage, featuring the defending champions at home and among their fans, and also including an Olympic-style opening ceremony.
The matches of the round will then continue on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and broadcasters will be given the right to choose which matches they want to broadcast exclusively from each round.
The American company is expected to receive applications for the Champions League broadcasting rights for a period of four years from 2027-28, with a maximum deadline of November 28th. This will then allow the company to begin reviewing the bids and select the most suitable one, in line with UEFA’s goal of generating more than €4.5 billion from the rights alone.
It is worth noting that the 2027-28 season may also witness a new amendment to the competition’s format, given the reported negotiations between UEFA and the European Super League to find a new Champions League format that aligns with the concept of the other tournament, which is unlikely to see the light of day.
