Mediaset Reported Close To Italian Free-TV Deal For Champions League

Italy’s largest commercial broadcaster, Mediaset, is close to signing a deal with Comcast’s SKY Italia to purchase free-to-air broadcasting rights of UEFA Champions League matches for the next two seasons, according to Reuters.

The news agency cited two sources close to the matter, reporting that under the deal, which has yet to be signed, Mediaset will be able to broadcast selected matches of Europe’s top soccer competition on its free-to-air channels, including leading networks Canale 5, Italia Uno and Rete 4.

SKY Italia, which bought UEFA Champions League broadcasting rights for the Italian market, will continue offer its clients all the matches on its pay TV platform.

Selected Champions League matches this past season have been shown on free-TV by public broadcaster RAI and have consistently topped the ratings.