Sky Wins Champions League Rights - 18th Mar 2008 12:30pm
Originally Posted by Digital Spy
Sky will air the lion's share of Champions League league games between next season and 2012 after winning a major rights package with a knock-out early bid.
UEFA's auction formally began last week and was expected to last for several months. However, Sky last night emerged as a "clear winner" in the initial stage. The purchase, estimated at costing £240m, includes rights to all Tuesday matches and all Wednesday matches except the first-choice fixture.
Another round of bids will be held for the first-choice Wednesday game and simultaneous TV rights (with Sky) to the tournament final. The BBC remains a favourite as it was rumoured to be "determined" to take some Champions League games.
Rights are currently shared between ITV and Sky.
UEFA's auction formally began last week and was expected to last for several months. However, Sky last night emerged as a "clear winner" in the initial stage. The purchase, estimated at costing £240m, includes rights to all Tuesday matches and all Wednesday matches except the first-choice fixture.
Another round of bids will be held for the first-choice Wednesday game and simultaneous TV rights (with Sky) to the tournament final. The BBC remains a favourite as it was rumoured to be "determined" to take some Champions League games.
Rights are currently shared between ITV and Sky.
Digital Spy Report