Turner to launch OTT sports platform with live UEFA games set for Bleacher Report
August 18, 2017
Turner and UEFA have announced a three-year multi-platform rights agreement for the exclusive presentation of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League from the start of the 2018-19 season.
Timed to this multi-year rights agreement, Turner has also announced plans to launch a new standalone premium sports streaming video service with the expansive collection of UEFA matches serving as a core pillar of the direct to consumer offering.
The new OTT sports platform will debut in 2018, with fixtures set to be broadcast on Bleacher Report.
Coming in 2018: B/R x Champions League highlights pic.twitter.com/X9BDC0ZMI2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 17, 2017
Turner President David Levy said:“The launch of Turner’s new OTT sports platform and partnership with UEFA aligns with the company’s continued strategy to further expand the distribution ecosystem and our ongoing commitment to engage fans with premium content they crave across all platforms.
“These highly-anticipated matches and supplemental original programming will be a key foundation for our latest direct to consumer business sports offering, as well as coveted content for Bleacher Report and our leading television networks.
“In addition to the new audiences we’ll attract through the streaming service, the partnership will leverage the tremendous reach we have with our television networks and Bleacher Report’s position as the leading digital destination for millennial fans.”
Lenny Daniels, President, Turner Sports, added: “Through this new agreement, Turner Sports is further expanding our portfolio with championship-caliber content featuring two of the most popular sporting events in the world.
“We believe world football is one of the most impactful growth properties in the U.S. Our shared vision with UEFA has led to the perfect opportunity to leverage the reach of Turner as we establish deeper connections with fans, while simultaneously creating new business ventures for our company.”
.@Turner acquires exclusive multi-platform rights to @ChampionsLeague & @EuropaLeague beginning with 2018-19 season https://t.co/8pbstPSkRe pic.twitter.com/4vSouX1dtu
— TurnerSportsPR (@TurnerSportsPR) August 17, 2017
Turner’s UEFA Champions League coverage will include four live telecasts each week throughout the Group Stage, plus two televised matches per week during knock-out rounds. All other matches will be available live through Turner’s new OTT sports platform launching in 2018, including direct access to the premium streaming service via Bleacher Report.
All semi-final matches, along with the UEFA Champions League final, will be nationally televised on TBS or TNT. UEFA Europa League matches will be available through Turner’s premium OTT sports platform – including access via Bleacher Report – with the UEFA Europa League final to be televised on TBS or TNT.