ITV In Talks To Buy Champions League Rights Back From BT Sport

By Mike Parrott

ITV are looking to get themselves back in the Champions League Viewing rights after losing out for the past five years to BT Sport.

The Champions League may be returning to ITV and Terrestrial Television after it was revealed that ITV are in talks to bring the Champions League back.

BT Sport have controlled the Champions League rights in the UK since 2015 and have numerous deals in place to continue until 2024 at least.

ITV shared the rights with Sky Sports before BT got on board in 2015 and would air crucial group and knock-out games.

UEFA's latest three-season package from 2021-24 cost BT £1.2billion, the same as the current 2018-21 deal.

ITV took a two per cent fall in advertising sales despite the Rugby World Cup being shown on the channel, while they are set to share the Euro 2020 rights with the Beeb.

The broadcaster has begun talks with the former telecoms monopoly after being left empty-handed in the TV rights auction in November.

BT outgunned digital rival Sky and ITV when it spent £1.2bn to retain the UK rights to broadcast the Champions League and Europa League until 2024, plus the Europa Conference League, which starts next year.