Netflix is exploring the possibility of acquiring Premier League rights after recently falling short in securing new UEFA football packages. The streaming giant reportedly made a bid for the global rights to the UEFA Super Cup, the annual match between the Champions League and Europa League winners, as well as Champions League rights in Germany for the period of 2027-31.
Industry sources informed The Times that Netflix's offers were competitive. However, UEFA decided against separating the Super Cup from its broader rights package, and Paramount+ ultimately surpassed Netflix's bid for the German Champions League rights. Netflix’s involvement, along with Paramount+'s acquisition of the main UK Champions League rights from 2027, is interpreted within the industry as an indication that global SVOD players are now prepared to seriously compete for premium football content.
This development raises the prospect of increased competition for Sky and TNT Sports when the next domestic Premier League packages are negotiated, and for NBC when the league's US deal, currently valued at approximately £2 billion (€2.36 billion) over six years, expires in 2028. Broadcast insiders quoted by The Times suggest Netflix might initially target a themed bundle of festive Premier League fixtures when rights are next offered, rather than committing to a full-season package immediately. Amazon previously held such a package for the UK market.
The current UK domestic contracts extend to 2029, but the league has been increasingly experimenting with packaging specific kick-off times and calendar periods. This potential move into football follows Netflix's gradual expansion into the realm of sports. To date, the platform has primarily focused on one-off events, including an NFL game last Christmas and the highly viewed Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul fight, which peaked at 65 million streams. They are also set to showcase Anthony Joshua vs Jake Paul on December 19. Furthermore, Netflix has secured US rights to the 2027 and 2031 FIFA Women's World Cups, and its bid for Champions League rights in Germany is considered a test of its interest in men's football.
From 2027-31, UK rights to the Champions League will be divided among Paramount+, Sky Sports, and Amazon in deals worth over £1.9 billion over four years, compared to TNT Sports' £915 million agreement for 2024-27. For the first time, Europa League and Conference League rights in the UK will reside with a different broadcaster, Sky Sports, while the BBC will retain its midweek highlights.