UEFA Discusses Selling Champions League, Europa League Matches Directly To Viewers

UEFA is considering making a "radical change to its broadcasting policy" by selling packages to watch Champions League and Europa League matches "direct to armchair fans," according to Matt Hughes of the LONDON TIMES. European football's governing body "recently completed the media rights sales process for its flagship club competitions" from '18-21, with BT Sport winning the rights to broadcast the Champions League and the Europa League in the U.K. in a deal worth £1.2B ($1.55B). However, "beyond that consideration is being given to alternative broadcasting models." Selling media rights to online companies such as Facebook or Youtube, which would make them available for free in the "hope of attracting bumper advertising revenue" is one proposal. UEFA also discussed "cutting out middle-men entirely by selling matches straight to consumers." A "Netflix-style subscription service" with fans charged a fee to watch matches live, as well as having access to highlights packages, has also been discussed (LONDON TIMES, 6/3).