UEFA has launched its own free streaming service that includes library and original programming based on 60 years of European football archive as well as live matches from less prominent tournaments.
UEFA.tv as a complementary service
At launch, UEFA is not looking to compete with TV networks. UEFA.tv is a free complementary streaming service that will include live and on-demand content from a variety of competitions.
The organization says that it will "offer original programming based on 60 years of European football archive. It will also become the home of youth, women’s and futsal UEFA competitions by offering them a wide live coverage in relevant markets". UEFA.tv will only broadcast matches from major tournaments if there is no rights-holder in your territory.
UEFA.tv will also serve to promote Champions League, Europa League, and other tournaments by "offering behind the scene content, interviews and a wide range of additional content".
- "The digital landscape is evolving and we need to be in a position where we can anticipate and respond to these changes," said UEFA President Aleksander ÄŚeferin. "UEFA is an innovative organisation and by introducing this platform, we will be making football and our competitions more accessible to supporters around the world."
National leagues are welcome, too
UEFA is inviting national leagues to participate and the German Bundesliga is the first to accept the invitation. UEFA.tv will offer "Monday highlights of weekend matches and shows such as the 'Bundesliga Special'" as well as "archives of past top Bundesliga matches and unforgettable UEFA Champions League matches involving German teams".
This is the first step for UEFA in the quest to gain more direct control of its tournaments. The football governing body has historically been partnering with TV broadcasters to transmit all matches from Champions League and Europa League. Over time, it is not hard to imagine UEFA adding premium tiers to its streaming service like other sports governing bodies - such as Formula 1 and PGA Tour - have done in recent years.
UEFA.tv is free to use but requires a user profile. The streaming service is available on the web on uefa.tv as well as through apps for Android and iOS. There are no TV apps available at this time but it appears that AirPlay and Chromecast are supported.
- Source: UEFA