If, in France, Canal+ has retained the broadcasting rights for all European Cups until 2031, as agreed with UEFA last November, a thunderbolt has fallen on Belgium. The call for tenders for TV rights carried out by the European body in the Plat Pays was initially unsuccessful and it was ultimately Disney+ which was offered all the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches for the period 2027-2031, as revealed by DHnet.
The video-on-demand platform, from the American group The Walt Disney Company, is shaking up Belgian football, while European Cup matches were offered through more traditional channels, namely the RTL channel and the Proximus Pickx service, respectively since 2000 and 2012.
The Champions League part is free in Belgium
Disney+ hits hard but will have to broadcast free of charge the matches of Belgian clubs, considered to be events of major interest beyond Quiévrain. Union Saint-Gilloise, Club Bruges or perhaps Anderlecht and Saint-Trond, the current 3rd before the playoffs for Europe, will therefore remain accessible without paying for their respective supporters.
The platform, supported by Disney films and series as well as Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars productions, has diversified in recent years, gradually entering the world of sport. In France, Disney+ has recovered the TV rights to the Women’s Champions League this season. A first try before investing more massively in a competition broadcast in France? It’s quite possible. The subscription costs 6.99 euros per month for the offer with advertisements and 10.99 euros per month for the standard offer.
