With UEFA and ECA joint venture UC3 entering an exclusive negotiations period with Relevent Sports, it is reported that the likelihood of Champions League games played in the USA will increase, involving Serie A clubs as well.
ECA and UEFA have announced the beginning of exclusive negotiations with New York-based Relevent Sports to sell European competitions TV rights in North America.
“UEFA and ECA joint venture UC3 enters into an exclusive negotiation period with Relevent Sports for global commercial rights for the UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027,” the statement reads.
“The Board of UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA), has agreed to enter into an exclusive period of negotiation with Relevent Sports over the global commercial rights to the UEFA men’s club competitions for the period 2027-2033.
“The decision follows an open tender process launched last summer, which attracted bids from a number of global and regional agencies.UC3 anticipates concluding the process in the coming weeks and shall not be making any further comment in the meantime.”
The New York Times reports that Swiss-based agency TEAM Marketing, which has been working alongside UEFA to sell TV rights for the last 30 years, will continue working with all other partners worldwide.
However, the introduction of Relevent Sports for the North American market means that some Champions League games could be played in the USA in the future.
‘This deal cements a relationship between UEFA, Europe’s leading clubs and an agency that has made its name by trying to stage European club football in North America,’ wrote Matt Slater.
And it comes after several of European football’s most senior voices have made it clear they would be delighted to take meaningful fixtures across the Atlantic, just as North America’s “Big Four” leagues have brought games in the other direction.’
