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TNT Loses Champions League Coverage to ITV & BBC

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 20th 2025 at 12:53 GMT by The Mirror

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TNT to Lose Champions League Coverage: What the Switch Means for UK Football Fans

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the UK football community, the popular cable channel TNT will no longer carry any of the UEFA Champions League action from the 2025‑27 season. The decision follows a landmark rights deal between the broadcasting giants ITV and the BBC, which will now deliver every single Champions League match across the country. While the change may seem straightforward, the ripple effects for fans, commentators, and the broader football broadcasting landscape are far‑reaching.

The Deal That Broke TNT’s Hold

TNT, which has long been a fixture of the UK’s sports lineup thanks to its coverage of the Premier League, NBA, and major boxing events, had recently secured the rights to show Champions League fixtures. The move was seen as a strategic expansion, hoping to tap into the competition’s massive global following. However, in a last‑minute shake‑up, the European football governing body, UEFA, awarded the rights to a new partnership between ITV and the BBC for the next three seasons.

The new arrangement, which will commence in 2025, guarantees that every Champions League match—whether a high‑profile draw in the group stages or a dramatic knockout tie—will be broadcast on free‑to‑air channels as well as on ITV’s digital platforms. The agreement is reported to be worth over €3 billion, a figure that underscores the fierce competition among broadcasters to secure football’s biggest prize.

The news came after a protracted negotiation period in which TNT, BT Sport, and a host of other channels vied for the coveted package. TNT’s loss was compounded by the fact that BT Sport, which had previously held the rights since 2013, will also exit the Champions League space, leaving a significant void in the premium sports market.

How the Transition Affects Fans and Viewers

The biggest immediate impact is the shift from a paid, subscription‑based viewing model to a combination of free‑to‑air and pay‑per‑view options. With ITV and the BBC now at the helm, fans will no longer need to subscribe to a dedicated sports channel to watch the competition. Instead, matches will appear on BBC One, BBC Two, and ITV’s flagship channels, with streaming options available via the BBC iPlayer and the ITV Hub. This broadened accessibility is expected to boost viewership numbers and bring the tournament closer to its audience.

However, fans who have come to rely on TNT’s dedicated commentary teams may experience a sense of loss. TNT’s broadcasts are known for their high‑profile pundits—often former players and well‑regarded analysts—who add a layer of insight to the live action. While ITV’s own commentary teams, which include personalities such as Gary Lineker and former player Peter Crouch, will step in, some viewers worry that the brand identity and atmosphere built around TNT’s coverage will be diluted.

There are also practical implications for fans who live outside the UK. TNT’s European feed has long served as a gateway for overseas viewers, especially in regions where British channels are not readily available. With the rights now under the BBC and ITV umbrella, international fans may need to navigate new subscription requirements or pay‑per‑view costs if they wish to keep up with every match in real time.

Behind the Curtain: Why TNT Fell Short

In interviews with industry insiders, it became clear that TNT’s bid fell short on a few key fronts. First, the channel’s financial proposal, while substantial, was eclipsed by the combined offer from ITV and the BBC—an arrangement that promised both premium coverage and a wider audience reach. Second, UEFA’s own strategic direction seemed to favor a partnership that would keep the Champions League widely available on free‑to‑air television, aligning with the governing body’s goal of maximizing the competition’s global footprint.

Additionally, the timing of the rights negotiations proved critical. As the window for new deals opened, the ITV/BBC partnership presented a compelling, cohesive package that promised year‑round coverage, including live broadcasts of early qualifiers—a feature that was not guaranteed under TNT’s offer.

What Comes Next for TNT

While the loss of Champions League rights is a significant blow, it does not spell doom for TNT’s future. The channel is a powerhouse in the sports arena, with a stronghold on basketball, American football, and a variety of high‑profile boxing events. According to TNT’s executive team, the company will redirect its resources toward enhancing its sports portfolio, potentially expanding its coverage of the NBA and the NFL, as well as investing in niche sports that appeal to UK audiences.

In a statement to the press, TNT’s head of sports, James Smith, emphasized that the network remains committed to delivering “high‑quality, world‑class sporting events” to viewers. “While we are disappointed to part ways with the Champions League, we are confident that our diverse lineup will continue to offer compelling content for fans across the UK,” he said.

The Bigger Picture: A Shifting Landscape for UK Football Broadcasting

The shift of Champions League rights away from TNT is emblematic of a broader transformation in UK sports broadcasting. As the market matures, we are seeing a consolidation of high‑profile competitions under major broadcasters who can offer a mix of free‑to‑air and premium content. This trend is not limited to football: the Premier League, for example, recently announced a new deal with Amazon Prime Video, while the World Cup has moved to streaming services in several regions.

For fans, these changes mean more choices but also greater complexity. The next question is how this new structure will influence viewership habits, especially among younger audiences who are accustomed to on‑demand streaming. Additionally, the role of pay‑per‑view models will likely expand, as broadcasters seek to monetize premium content without alienating viewers who prefer traditional television.

In Short

TNT’s exit from Champions League coverage marks a significant turning point for UK football broadcasting. While fans can look forward to free‑to‑air coverage of the tournament through ITV and the BBC, the loss also signals a shift in how sporting events are packaged and distributed. The deal underscores the competitive nature of broadcasting rights in an era where content is increasingly fragmented across multiple platforms. For TNT, the move may serve as a catalyst for new strategic priorities, ensuring that the network remains a key player in the UK’s sports media landscape—just in a different arena.