News DeskMumbai, India – In a significant move in the world of sports broadcasting, Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has announced the extension of its collaboration with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), securing exclusive broadcast and digital rights for premier European club football leagues. The renewed partnership encompasses marquee tournaments including the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, UEFA Super Cup, and UEFA Youth League, spanning from the 2024/2025 season through the culmination of the 2026-2027 season.
With over 1600 football matches slated to be showcased across its channels during this period, Indian audiences are in for a treat, with access to watch top clubs such as Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, alongside star players including Kylian Mbappe, Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, and Bruno Fernandes, among others.
A key feature of this renewed collaboration is the enhanced accessibility for viewers in India, as the UEFA tournaments will be available exclusively on both linear television through Sony Sports Network and live-streamed on their on-demand OTT platform SonyLIV in the Indian subcontinent.
Moreover, the UEFA Champions League is set to undergo a transformative change in its format and competition system starting from the 2024/25 season. The introduction of a new league phase will see four additional clubs vying for glory, increasing the total number of participating clubs to 36. This revamped structure promises to amplify the excitement of the tournament, offering fans more matches between the continent’s elite teams.
Another notable development is the elimination of the January break in UEFA’s premier club competitions, ensuring uninterrupted European club football action from August to May.
Sony Sports Network’s commitment to catering to diverse linguistic preferences is evident through its provision of select UEFA Champions League matches in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. The contribution of regional language coverage to the league’s viewership has witnessed a significant upsurge in recent years, underscoring the network’s responsiveness to the evolving preferences of Indian football enthusiasts.
Rajesh Kaul, Chief Revenue Officer – Distribution & International Business and Head – Sports Business, Sony Pictures Networks India, expressed pride in the extended partnership, highlighting the network’s dedication to delivering unparalleled access to prestigious football tournaments to fans across the Indian subcontinent. Kaul emphasized the substantial growth in UEFA Champions League viewership in India, attributing it largely to the introduction of regional language commentary.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Events SA Marketing Director, commended Sony Sports Network for its role in bolstering UEFA’s following and viewership in India. He affirmed that fans in the region can anticipate extensive and top-notch coverage of UEFA’s football portfolio, underscoring the network’s commitment to providing quality content.
Sony Sports Network’s stronghold in the football broadcasting arena extends beyond UEFA tournaments, as it remains the official broadcaster for UEFA EURO 2024, Bundesliga, Emirates FA Cup, Roshn Saudi Pro League, and more.
As the ‘Home of Football’ in India, Sony Sports Network pledges to captivate audiences with over 1600 highly competitive football matches across various leagues, promising an exhilarating viewing experience for football aficionados in the Indian subcontinent.
