BT Sport sign UEFA broadcast deal

BT Sport have extended their TV rights for the Champions League and Europa League until the 2020/21 season. The deal is worth £1.2bn.

They first started broadcasting Europe's elite club competitions in 2015 with a deal worth £897m signed in 2013.

BT Sport is a paid subscription service. However, they have said they will make clips, weekly highlights, and both finals available to watch for free on social media.

The deal gives BT Sport exclusivity across all live games and highlights for the first time. The old deal had ITV showing a weekly highlights show.

From the 2018-19 season Europe's top four domestic leagues are guaranteed four places each in the group stages of the Champions League rather than the current 3 plus a qualifying spot.

Another change will see 'double-header' nights in the group stage in the Champions League, similarly to the Europa League with matches kicking off at both 18:00 and 20:00 UK time.

JC