Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
European deal may tempt BBC to Champions League
THE BBC could enter the Champions League picture should the highlights packages come up for grabs in the wake of ITV losing live rights to BT.
On the weekend BT Sport secured the rights to the competition and the Europa League with an exclusive £897million, three-year deal starting from the 2015-2016 season, the BBC are considering bidding for the highlights.
ITV are believed to have already had a proposal offered to them in recognition of their long association of covering European football and will meet today to discuss whether to accept watered-down access or walk away.
At the same time, the BBC will be formalising their position should the occasion arise and are understood to be excited at the prospect of airing the Champions League on a regular basis for the first time after having previously broadcast qualifying-round matches.
Sky could also be in the running for the highlights, although leading sponsors are keen to maintain the broader appeal one of the free-to-air channels provides.
All 350 Champions League and Europa League matches will be broadcast live each season from 2015 on BT Sport.
It is the first time a single UK broadcaster has won the exclusive live rights.