Champions League 2027: UEFA revamp with new rules, US-style TV format | OneFootball

Starting in 2027, the reigning champions will open the new Champions season with a home match on Tuesday evening. The rules for TV rights are also changing, valid until 2033.

Champions League 2027, UEFA revolution: new rules and TV format inspired by American sports

UEFA is preparing a new revolution in the Champions League, which from 2027/28 will adopt a format inspired by major U.S. sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and NHL. The innovations will concern both the match calendar and the management of television rights, with the aim of making the competition even more spectacular and attractive from a media standpoint.

The reigning champions will open the season on Tuesday

The main change concerns the first matchday of the group stage. Starting in 2027, the title holders will officially kick off the new Champions season with a home game on Tuesday evening, which will be the only match scheduled that day.

An idea borrowed from major American sporting events, where the reigning champions symbolically open the season in front of their own fans. The calendar will then continue with the other matches, spread between Wednesday and Thursday, thus keeping an entire week dedicated to Europe’s most prestigious competition.

Before kickoff, the winners will have the chance to show the trophy to the crowd once again, in a celebratory event destined to become a tradition. A spectacle designed to strengthen the emotional bond between team, fans, and the competition.

New rules for TV rights: valid until 2033

On the media front, UEFA has announced significant changes in the sale of television rights for club competitions. The new provisions will apply for the 2027–2033 cycle and will introduce greater flexibility for broadcasters.

Bids for acquiring the rights must be submitted by November 18, and television networks will be able to purchase packages for up to four years, compared to the current three. A choice aimed at ensuring economic stability for broadcasters and fostering long-term agreements between UEFA and television partners.

These changes are part of a broader project to enhance the commercial value of the Champions League brand, which in recent years has seen steady growth in media rights and sponsorship revenues.

UEFA’s goal: spectacle, innovation, and global appeal

UEFA thus aims for a comprehensive modernization of the competition, combining tradition and spectacle. The new format for the opening matchday, together with the revised rules for television broadcasting, represents a step toward a model closer to global sports entertainment standards.

With the reform already planned for the new “single-league” format from 2024, the Champions League will continue to evolve to meet the needs of an increasingly international and digital audience.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.