Virgin Media and TV3 today announced a major sports deal which sees the combined broadcasting and television platform business become the new home of top European club football from next season.
The agreement with UEFA sees Virgin Media and TV3 win exclusive Irish rights to all Wednesday UEFA Champions League matches, all Thursday UEFA Europa League matches and the Finals of both competitions.
In total, Virgin Media and TV3 will have Irish exclusive rights to 327 matches across both competitions per season and will share rights for 16 Tuesday night UEFA Champion League matches.
The deal, which comes into effect in August this year, also includes exclusive rights to all UEFA Champions League final round qualifiers, which Celtic and the Super Cup and all highlights rights to both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for the next three years.
Speaking about this major content deal for the Virgin Media Group, Pat Kiely, Managing Director of TV3 said:
“The UEFA Champions League is the biggest and most prestigious club competition in the world and we are delighted to extend our partnership with UEFA for both the Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
“This landmark deal confirms Virgin Media as Ireland’s leading connected entertainment business and is great news for TV3 viewers and Virgin Media Customers.
“Our award winning Sports Broadcasting team look forward to bringing the biggest clubs and the best players to our viewers and customers in new and exciting ways over the coming European football seasons.”
The final of next year’s Champions League will be held in Atlético Madrid’s stadium. Meanwhile Atleti will hope to add to their impressive cabinet of Europa League trophies tomorrow when El Cholo’s men take on Marseille.
