Amazon Prime Unveil TV Broadcast Plans for Champions League | OneFootball

Amazon Prime’s Champions League Coverage: What to Expect in the 2024-25 Season

Amazon Prime Video is stepping up its game in the world of sports broadcasting with the launch of its Champions League coverage for the 2024-25 season. With a strong track record in delivering Premier League matches and Champions League games across Europe, Amazon is now setting its sights on becoming a dominant player in UK and Ireland football coverage. Their three-year deal with UEFA marks a significant move that promises to bring a fresh perspective to how fans experience Europe’s elite club competition.

Amazon Prime’s Champions League Coverage Plans

Amazon Prime’s entry into the Champions League broadcasting scene is part of a larger trend of streaming services disrupting traditional sports coverage. Having already made significant inroads in Italy and Germany, Amazon Prime secured the UK and Ireland rights in a deal that, alongside TNT Sports, amounted to €1.7 billion (£1.4bn). This agreement covers the 2024-25, 2025-26, and 2026-27 seasons, granting Prime Video the rights to broadcast one top-pick game every Tuesday night, all the way to the semi-finals.

What sets Amazon’s coverage apart is its strategic focus on high-stakes matches, particularly involving English clubs. If an English team is playing on a Tuesday, Prime Video is expected to broadcast that match, ensuring that UK viewers have access to the games that matter most to them. This commitment to delivering marquee matches highlights Amazon’s intent to provide a tailored viewing experience that caters to the interests of local fans.

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Key Commentators and Pundits on Amazon Prime

In addition to securing broadcasting rights, Amazon Prime has assembled a stellar team of pundits and commentators to provide in-depth analysis and engaging commentary. Gabby Logan, a familiar face in sports broadcasting, will anchor the coverage. Her experience and professionalism promise to bring a level of gravitas to the broadcasts that viewers will appreciate.

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Joining Logan is an impressive lineup of former players who have made their mark on the game. Clarence Seedorf, a four-time Champions League winner with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan, brings a wealth of experience and insight. His presence on the panel is a statement of intent from Amazon, aiming to elevate the quality of analysis on offer.

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Other notable pundits include Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Gael Clichy, Josie Henning, and Laura Georges. This diverse group of former players ensures a broad range of perspectives, covering both the men’s and women’s games. Commentator duties will be handled by Jon Champion, a seasoned voice in football, alongside Alan Shearer, who brings his expertise as one of the Premier League’s all-time top scorers. Additionally, Mark Clattenburg, a former Premier League referee, will provide insights on refereeing decisions, adding an extra layer of depth to the coverage.

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What Sets Amazon Prime’s Coverage Apart?

Amazon Prime’s coverage of the Champions League aims to differentiate itself from competitors with a blend of cutting-edge technology and a viewer-first approach. One of the key features Amazon is promoting is its low-latency streaming, a technology that minimizes the delay between live action on the pitch and what viewers see on their screens. This is crucial for football fans, where even a few seconds can make a significant difference in the viewing experience. Amazon promises a delay of no more than 10 seconds, ensuring that fans, whether watching on a smartphone, computer, or TV, are in sync with the live action.

Another innovative feature is Amazon’s use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the viewing experience. AI-generated highlights will allow fans to catch up on key moments in real time, offering a dynamic and interactive way to stay engaged with the match. This technology-driven approach positions Amazon as a forward-thinking broadcaster, keen on pushing the boundaries of how football is consumed.

Moreover, Amazon is introducing a substitute indicator, a tool that shows viewers how many substitutions each team has remaining. This small but thoughtful addition enhances the viewing experience by providing critical tactical information at a glance.

Cost of Watching Champions League on Amazon Prime

For existing Amazon Prime subscribers, the good news is that there will be no additional cost to watch the Champions League matches. A standard Prime subscription, priced at £8.99 per month, will include access to the Champions League fixtures broadcast on Prime Video. This competitive pricing strategy ensures that Amazon remains accessible to a broad audience, making it an attractive option for football fans.

However, for those wanting access to additional Champions League fixtures beyond the main broadcast, there’s an extra cost. Amazon has partnered with Discovery+ Premium, where fans can subscribe for £30.99 a month. While this might be seen as a significant expense, it does offer comprehensive coverage for those who want to follow every twist and turn of Europe’s premier club competition.

What Fans Can Expect

As the Champions League gears up for another season, fans can expect Amazon Prime to deliver a viewing experience that is both engaging and innovative. The combination of top-tier matches, expert analysis from a diverse panel of pundits, and cutting-edge technology positions Amazon as a serious contender in the sports broadcasting arena.

However, the real test will be how well these elements come together on matchdays. Amazon has a reputation for quality, but the Champions League is a different beast altogether. With millions of passionate fans tuning in, the stakes are high, and expectations even higher.

This season’s revamped Champions League format, with the traditional group stage replaced by a league-phase stage, adds another layer of complexity. Amazon’s coverage will need to keep pace with the changes and ensure that fans are well-informed and engaged throughout the competition.

In conclusion, Amazon Prime’s foray into Champions League coverage marks a significant shift in the broadcasting landscape. By blending top-quality matches with innovative technology and expert commentary, Amazon is poised to make a lasting impact on how fans experience the beautiful game. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on how Amazon delivers on its promises and whether it can meet the high expectations of football fans across the UK and Ireland.