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TNT Sports Surrenders Champions League Rights to Disney's ESPN+ and Hulu
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 15:50 GMT by The Independent- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
TNT Sports Loses Champions League Rights to Streaming Giant Disney’s ESPN+ and Hulu
In a sweeping shift that signals the growing dominance of over‑the‑top (OTT) platforms in the world of soccer broadcasting, TNT Sports has announced that it will no longer carry the UEFA Champions League in the United States. The prestigious club competition will now be exclusively streamed by Disney’s sports arm, ESPN+, and its broader streaming service, Hulu, beginning with the 2024‑25 season. The change, which is set to take effect after TNT’s three‑year licensing agreement with UEFA expires at the end of 2025, marks a pivotal moment for both broadcasters and fans, and reflects the increasingly fragmented and digital future of sports media rights.
Why TNT Sports Let Go of the Champions League
TNT Sports (formerly known as Turner Sports) had enjoyed a solid run of Champions League broadcasts for the past decade, airing the group‑stage and knockout matches on its cable network and through the on‑demand service. In a press release, TNT highlighted that the network will now focus on other football properties, notably the Premier League and the MLS Cup, as part of a new partnership with the NFL and other content deals. The decision was presented as part of TNT’s strategy to “better align our sports programming portfolio with viewer preferences” and to reduce the cost of maintaining multiple high‑profile soccer licenses.
The news came after UEFA’s announcement that it was entering a multi‑year partnership with Disney’s ESPN+ and Hulu. The deal, which was confirmed in early March 2024, will give the streaming platforms exclusive U.S. rights to all 37 Champions League matches per season, including the final. Under the new arrangement, fans will be able to stream the entire competition on a single platform, with highlights and delayed broadcasts also available on the same service.
The Disney Deal: What It Means for Viewers
Price and Availability. ESPN+ is currently available for $9.99 a month or $59.99 a year, with a discounted bundle offered through Disney’s “Disney Bundle” that includes Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+. This bundle has been a key marketing strategy for Disney as it pushes sports content onto a subscription‑based model. For the Champions League, every match will be live‑streamed on ESPN+, and selected games will also be available through Hulu’s “Live TV” channel. Fans who already own Hulu or Disney+ can add ESPN+ to their subscription at no additional cost.
Device Flexibility. One of the key advantages of this new deal is the ability to watch matches on any connected device—smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, or gaming consoles. This aligns with the broader industry trend of “anywhere, anytime” viewing, especially as cord‑cut audiences grow. The streaming service also supports multi‑screen viewing, so a fan could watch the opening match on their phone while keeping an eye on a secondary game on a tablet.
Content Coverage. While the full tournament will be available live on ESPN+, viewers will also benefit from supplemental content such as pre‑match analysis, behind‑the‑scenes documentaries, and post‑match interviews, all delivered in high‑definition video. The new partnership also includes the rights to stream the UEFA Super Cup and the European Championship qualifiers, giving Disney a stronger foothold in European football.
What Happens to the Broadcast Audience?
The shift to a streaming‑only model is not without its critics. Cable subscribers who have relied on TNT’s terrestrial broadcast might need to migrate to a new platform or pay for a new subscription. Some fans have expressed concern over “bunching” of content under a single brand, potentially limiting the diversity of coverage. However, proponents argue that the new arrangement will streamline viewing options and reduce the fragmentation of football rights that has long plagued U.S. fans.
The move also signals a broader trend in the industry: sports leagues are increasingly looking to partner with streaming platforms to tap into younger audiences who prefer on‑the‑go viewing. According to a recent Nielsen report cited in the article, 60% of U.S. soccer fans now consume content through OTT services rather than traditional cable.
Wider Context: Other Rights Deals and Implications
While the Champions League deal with Disney is the headline, the article also references other significant shifts in U.S. soccer broadcasting. TNT Sports’ new focus on Premier League coverage—through a multi‑year deal with the English league—illustrates a broader realignment of football content across networks. Additionally, the piece notes that other major sports rights, such as the NFL’s Sunday Night Football, are also being re‑bundled into subscription services.
The article’s linked sources shed further light on how this transition affects the competitive landscape. A link to a Bloomberg piece discusses the strategic investment Disney is making to secure more high‑profile sports content, positioning itself as a “one‑stop shop” for both sports and family entertainment. A second link to a Sports Illustrated analysis offers an in‑depth look at how the streaming model could disrupt traditional cable packages, potentially forcing cable providers to negotiate new terms or face subscriber churn.
Final Thoughts
The decision by TNT Sports to cede Champions League rights to Disney’s ESPN+ and Hulu marks a watershed moment in sports broadcasting. It underscores the shift toward a streaming‑centric model that is reshaping how fans consume live sports, and highlights the increasing value of exclusive content for subscription platforms. While some traditional cable audiences may initially feel displaced, the flexibility, accessibility, and cost‑efficiency of OTT services may ultimately provide a more robust, consumer‑friendly experience for U.S. soccer fans.
As the 2024‑25 Champions League season approaches, soccer enthusiasts will need to adjust their viewing habits, but the new partnership promises a comprehensive and unified streaming experience that could very well redefine the way the sport is enjoyed in the United States.
Read the Full The Independent Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/soccer/tnt-sports-lose-champions-league-rights-as-streaming-giant-takes-over/ar-AA1QPkvQ ]
