European football fans have long joked about avoiding certain European towns on Thursday nights, but that gag is now a thing of the past. The landscape of continental football is evolving with a revamped and expanded Champions League format, along with changes to the Europa League and the introduction of the Conference League. One notable change that is catching the attention of fans is the spread of matches into Thursday nights starting from the 2024/25 season.
Increased Match Opportunities
Traditionally, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings have been reserved for top-tier European football matches, but now, Thursday nights will also be filled with exciting continental football action. The new format will see each team playing eight matches in the League Phase, a significant increase from the previous six matches. This change not only provides more opportunities for teams to compete but also offers fans additional thrilling matchups to enjoy.
The introduction of exclusive matchweeks for each of the three European competitions – Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League – adds a unique element to the schedule. During these exclusive matchweeks, only one of the competitions will be in action, ensuring that each tournament receives dedicated attention and visibility. This strategic move by UEFA aims to generate more interest in the Europa and Conference Leagues, elevating their status and significance in the footballing world.
Exclusive Matchweeks Schedule
The exclusive matchweeks for the 2024/25 season are as follows:
– Champions League: Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th September 2024
– Europa League: Wednesday 25th and Thursday 26th September 2024
– Conference League: Thursday 19th December 2024
These exclusive matchweeks will showcase the best of each competition, highlighting the talent and competitiveness across all three tournaments. Fans can look forward to intense matches and exciting moments as the European football calendar becomes even more captivating.
TV Rights and Broadcasting
In addition to the format changes, the broadcasting rights for the Champions League have also undergone a shift for the 2024/25 season. TNT Sports and Amazon Prime Video have secured the live broadcasting rights for the Champions League matches, offering fans multiple options to catch the action. For BT Broadband customers, adding TNT Sports to their existing contract is a convenient option, starting from just £18 per month.
For a comprehensive viewing experience, the ‘Big Sport’ package, priced at £40 per month, includes all TNT Sports channels and 11 Sky Sports channels via a NOW pass. Subscribers can also access TNT Sports through discovery+ and stream matches directly to their smart TVs. The flexibility in viewing options ensures that fans can enjoy the matches on their preferred devices, whether it’s a laptop, smartphone, or tablet.
Amazon Prime Video will broadcast one highlight match per round of Champions League fixtures, offering additional coverage and analysis for fans. The platform is easily accessible through the Amazon Prime Video website and app, requiring only a user account to start streaming the matches. New customers can take advantage of a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, giving them access to all the football content showcased on the platform.
For those looking to catch Champions League highlights, BBC TV and BBC iPlayer will provide coverage of the key moments from the matches. Whether it’s live matches or highlights, fans have a range of options to stay updated on the latest European football action. With various streaming platforms and broadcasting channels available, supporters can tailor their viewing experience to suit their preferences.
In conclusion, the revamped Champions League format, along with the exclusive matchweeks and changes to broadcasting rights, promises an exciting season ahead for European football fans. The increased visibility of the Europa and Conference Leagues, combined with expanded match opportunities, sets the stage for a thrilling competition. With multiple viewing options and access to top-quality football content, fans can immerse themselves in the world of European football like never before.