SBS agrees deal with beIN Media Group for Champions League rights

Australian public-service broadcaster SBS has extended its long-running association with the Uefa Champions League club football competition by agreeing a sublicensing deal with pay-television broadcaster beIN Media Group.

BeIN Sports Australia this month acquired rights for the Champions League in the Oceania region in a three-year deal running from the 2015-16 to 2017-18 seasons.

SBS has broadcast the Champions League in Australia since the inception of the premier club tournament of European football’s governing body in 1992.

Under its deal with beIN, SBS will broadcast one live match on Wednesdays and a weekly one hour highlights show on Thursday nights that will cover all the matches from every round. The contract covers the same three seasons.

SBS director of sport Ken Shipp said: “Football is becoming increasingly competitive in the Australian market – so we're delighted that we've secured the rights for another three years.”