The BBC has acquired UK rights to the UEFA Champions League for the 2024-2027 cycle. It is the first time that the British public service broadcaster has landed TV rights to this competition. BBC’s Champions League contract includes match highlights on television, as well as on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and mobile apps. Short clips around the competition are also expected to be regularly posted on the network’s social media channels. In addition, BBC’s deal includes the Champions League final.
British public service broadcaster the BBC has acquired the UK live audio commentary rights for the English Premier League from 2022/23 to 2024/25. This lets BBC’s audio service provide live commentary for almost all EPL matches throughout the period of the deal. BBC gets first picks for Saturday 3pm fixtures, while also covering Saturday fixtures scheduled at 5:30pm, and Sunday fixtures at 2pm and 4:30pm. The majority of the live audio coverage is expected to be carried out on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The BBC has acquired UK rights to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and shares the coverage with ITV. The agreement with FIFA grants BBC the rights to show live 2022 World Cup matches on its television channels, as well as on its streaming service BBC iPlayer online and on mobile devices. Live play-by-play commentary is also expected on BBC radio channels. The 2022 World Cup on BBC in the UK includes match highlights, previews, reports, analysis, interviews, and auxiliary programming. Furthermore, BBC’s broadcast deal allows for the publication of exclusive World Cup footage on its social media outlets. BBC has additionally secured the majority of the live games involving the England and Wales national teams in the group stage, and it has reserved first pick of the semifinals.
BBC Radio will maintain coverage of the Premier League throughout the 2021/22 season. As per the terms of its three year deal, BBC Radio 5 Live will continue to audio broadcast approximately 140 live Premier League matches each season, taking place on weekends, as well as the occasional Friday and Monday game. In addition to audio coverage, BBC Radio’s bonus features include documentaries, news updates, and regular call-in shows hosted by the network’s presenters.
The BBC has acquired broadcast rights for the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament. As per the terms of the network's arrangement, ten matches will be shown live on both its linear and digital platforms. Coverage will include two quarter-finals, both semi-finals, and the final. In addition, bonus content includes carefully curated digital clips and other game highlights.
