ITV Edge Out Channel 5 to Europa League Rights Deal

UEFA announced that it has awarded ITV the terrestrial media rights for the 2012–15 UEFA Europa League with ESPN also cutting a deal for the Europa League in the United Kingdom.

The UK’s largest advertiser funded broadcaster ITV has acquired the right to broadcast the top two live matches each matchweek on ITV4 followed by a round-up of the matchnight’s key action. In addition, ITV4 will show a full weekly highlights programme on Fridays each matchweek. Certain games in the later stages of the competition featuring local participation may be broadcast on ITV1.

The new agreement begins with the 2012/13 season and ends Channel 5’s three-year holding of the rights.

Sports media giant ESPN has also secured the rights to all remaining UEFA Europa League matches. ESPN will screen at least one game per kick-off slot each matchweek as well as highlights on ESPN’s premium UK television channel.

All rights have been awarded on a platform neutral basis, allowing ITV and ESPN to provide coverage across television, mobile and internet on itv.com and espn.co.uk respectively.

Commenting on the award of these rights, UEFA said: “UEFA is happy to renew its partnership with ITV and ESPN in the United Kingdom. These deals will further develop and promote the competition in the region by providing football fans throughout the UK with an extensive choice of coverage not only on television but also via online and mobile services.”