Sky Sports return to Champions League market but Virgin miss out
Atletico Madrid appeal for a penalty after a shot from Marcos Llorente hits the hand of Arsenal's Ben White. Pic: Adam Davy/PA Wire.
Sky Sports are returning to the Irish market for Champions League coverage from 2027, with Virgin Media the losers in the latest round of Uefa four-year media rights packages.
Premier Sports will continue to have the first pick of the Tuesday matches in Europe’s Premier competition, with RTÉ retaining a similar selection on Wednesdays. Both channels will have co-exclusive rights for the final from next season until 2031.
Under the new deal, Sky Sports can show all remaining Champions League matches and have taken over the Europa League and Conference League packages.
Premier Sports had shown live Conference League phase matches involving Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne over the last seasons.
Virgin say its exit from the market is down to it being unsustainable for and advertiser-funded broadcaster as rights fees accelerate.
“Virgin Media Television can confirm that we will continue to broadcast the UEFA Champions League in Ireland until the conclusion of the current rights cycle in May 2027.
"Following that date, Virgin Media Television will no longer hold the Irish free to air broadcast rights to the competition.
"Over many years, we have been proud to bring the Champions League to Irish audiences with world class coverage and a strong free to air offering that put viewers first. However, the market for premium international sports rights has accelerated at a pace that is no longer sustainable for an entirely advertiser funded Irish free to air commercial broadcaster operating responsibly and independently.
2Our focus remains on investing where we can make the greatest impact for Irish audiences, including trusted news and current affairs, major sporting events, Irish talent and original programming that is accessible to the widest possible audience”.
Uefa awards packages to 19 territories and Ireland are covered in the UK market for Amazon's co-exclusive rights to Champions Tuesday first pick package and the Paramount+ co-exclusive rights to UCL Wednesday first pick package and all remaining UCL matches and highlights, including UCL final.
Commenting on Premier Sports securing the Irish rights, chief executive Ryle Nugent said: “We are delighted to secure a four-year extension of our Uefa Champions League rights, ensuring Premier Sports remains the destination for Irish football fans.
“Our first-choice Tuesday night fixtures have become an essential ‘appointment to view’ for fans, and we look forward to elevating our coverage even further as we bring the drama and prestige of this competition to our audiences through to 2031.”
Group Head of RTÉ Sport, Declan McBennett said:"RTÉ is delighted to have retained the rights to the greatest club competition in the world. When you look at the allocation of rights across all the territories involved, very few have a free-to-air presence remaining and Ireland is one of those, and that's critically important to us and to our audience."
Uefa said: "Central to this strategy is the recognition that media markets are evolving rapidly.
"This evolution is being driven by the continued growth of global, digital-first platforms delivering innovative fan experiences, alongside the enduring commitment of established broadcasters to ensure broad reach and visibility for the competitions worldwide.
"By balancing these dynamics, UC3 is able to harness the strengths of both emerging global players and trusted broadcast partners. In parallel, longer-term agreements provide greater consistency for rights holders and fans alike, delivering stability and sustained visibility throughout the 2027–31 cycle."
