Why Milan vs Liverpool Isn’t on TNT – Understanding New Champions League TV Rights

As Liverpool prepare for their highly anticipated return to Champions League action against AC Milan on Tuesday night, many fans in the UK may be surprised to find that their usual destination for European football, TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport), won’t be broadcasting the match. This is just the beginning of a new era in how the Champions League will be viewed in the UK, with Amazon Prime now playing a key role in showing Europe’s biggest games.

For those used to tuning in to TNT Sports on European nights, the shift may seem sudden, but it’s part of a new broadcasting deal set to shape how football fans watch the competition over the next few years. Here’s a closer look at why Liverpool’s return to Europe’s top stage won’t be on TNT Sports and what it means for fans.

Amazon Prime Takes Centre Stage for Tuesday Night Matches

The Champions League has long been synonymous with midweek nights on BT Sport (now rebranded as TNT Sports). However, Liverpool’s match against AC Milan on Tuesday won’t be found there this time around. Instead, Amazon Prime Video is now the home for select Tuesday night Champions League matches, including this week’s fixture at San Siro.

This change came as part of a new broadcasting rights cycle, which runs from 2024 to 2027. Amazon Prime has secured the rights to the “first-pick” Tuesday night game for each round of the competition until the semi-final stage. It means that for the next three years, the top Tuesday match in Europe’s premier competition will be exclusively available to Amazon Prime subscribers.

Liverpool’s return to the Champions League, following a one-year absence, marks the first time this new arrangement comes into play. Fans tuning in to see the Reds face AC Milan will need to head to Amazon Prime Video, with coverage beginning at 6.30pm (BST) ahead of the 8pm kick-off.

TNT Sports Still Holds Most of the Rights

While Amazon Prime will show the marquee Tuesday matches, TNT Sports hasn’t completely lost out. They remain the primary broadcaster for the bulk of the competition’s fixtures. Over the course of the new rights deal, TNT Sports will air 533 out of the 550 matches. This includes the majority of games played on Wednesdays and throughout the knockout stages after the semi-finals.

This new sharing of rights brings an end to the exclusive deal that TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) held since 2015. For nearly a decade, they were the sole broadcaster of the men’s Champions League in the UK. However, with the rise of streaming services and the increasing demand for content, it’s no surprise that Amazon has entered the football broadcasting arena with such a significant deal.

As part of the rights package, fans will also have access to Champions League highlights on free-to-air television. The BBC will air highlights of each round, with a dedicated show on Wednesday nights at 10.40pm.

How Much Does Amazon Prime Cost?

For those who don’t already subscribe to Amazon Prime, there are a couple of options to consider. Access to Prime Video alone costs £5.99 per month, offering just the streaming service. Alternatively, fans can sign up for an Amazon Prime Membership, which costs £8.99 per month and includes additional benefits such as next-day delivery on orders from the retail giant.

For those who haven’t yet subscribed, Amazon also offers a 30-day free trial, allowing fans to catch Liverpool’s game against Milan without committing to a long-term subscription. Given that Liverpool could feature in more Tuesday night matches during the group stage, Prime Video may become a regular destination for Reds supporters.

Impact on Europa League and Other Competitions

While the Champions League rights have been split between Amazon and TNT Sports, fans wondering about the Europa League and Europa Conference League can rest assured that these competitions will remain exclusively on TNT Sports. This means that Liverpool’s rivals, such as West Ham or Aston Villa, who are involved in these tournaments, will still be available to watch on TNT Sports.

As the broadcasting landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that fans will need to adapt to new platforms and providers to follow their favourite teams in Europe. This shift to Amazon Prime for Tuesday night matches marks a significant change, but for those already subscribed, it offers another avenue to watch the best of European football.

Looking Ahead to More Amazon Prime Matches

Liverpool’s clash against AC Milan is the first of what will likely be several Tuesday night appearances on Amazon Prime during the initial phase of the Champions League. With a further three group-stage matches scheduled on Tuesdays, Reds fans may want to consider getting used to Prime Video as their new home for Champions League football.

In a time where multiple subscriptions are becoming the norm for sports fans, this new arrangement reflects the changing face of football broadcasting. While TNT Sports retains the majority of the rights, Amazon’s involvement ensures that streaming continues to play an ever-growing role in how football is consumed in the UK.

As Liverpool look to bounce back from their recent Premier League disappointment against Nottingham Forest, their European journey begins in earnest against one of the continent’s giants at the San Siro. For the fans, it’s not just the players adjusting to new challenges on the pitch, but also adapting to new ways of watching the game.

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