Canal+ Secures Champions League Rights: What it Means for Football Fans
Brussels, Belgium – May 1, 2026 – European football is undergoing a significant shift in broadcasting, with Canal+, the French streaming service and parent company of TV Vlaanderen, securing the rights to broadcast the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League in Belgium starting in 2027. This marks a departure from the traditional broadcasters VTM, Telenet, and Proximus, signaling a growing trend of streaming services dominating the sports rights landscape.
The deal, finalized through Relevent, a US-based media rights agency appointed by UEFA, represents a substantial investment in European football broadcasting. For fans in Belgium, it raises questions about access and cost as the broadcasting landscape evolves. This acquisition underscores the increasing financial power of international streaming giants in securing premium sports content.
A Changing Landscape for Football Rights
The world of football broadcasting rights has transformed dramatically in recent years. Where television networks once held firm control, streaming services are now aggressively pursuing – and acquiring – these valuable assets. This trend was previously seen with DAZN’s involvement in the Belgian domestic league, and now extends to the most prestigious club competitions in Europe. The competition for these rights has driven up costs, making it increasingly difficult for traditional broadcasters to compete.
What Does This Indicate for Belgian Football Fans?
From September 2027, fans wishing to watch the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League will need a Canal+ subscription. Currently, Canal+ is available in Belgium through TV Vlaanderen. There is a possibility that the Canal+ brand will be more prominently featured in Belgium in the coming years, expanding its presence beyond its current offering of sports, films, and series.
However, not all matches will be exclusively available on Canal+. Matches involving Belgian teams, as well as semi-finals and finals, will remain available on open networks due to Belgium’s Media Decree. This decree mandates that events of public interest must be broadcast on accessible channels. This means that key games featuring Belgian clubs will likely still be available for free viewing, potentially through a deal between Canal+ and another broadcaster or via an open channel established by Canal+ itself.
Cost Considerations: What Will a Subscription Cost?
While the exact pricing structure for Canal+’s football coverage remains to be announced, the shift to a subscription model is likely to impact many fans. Details regarding different subscription tiers and potential add-on packages for football-specific content are expected to be released closer to 2027. The cost will be a key factor for fans deciding whether to subscribe to the service.
The financial implications of this deal extend beyond individual subscriptions. The increased cost of rights acquisition will likely be passed on to consumers, potentially leading to higher prices for sports packages overall. This could create a barrier to entry for some fans, limiting their access to top-tier European football.
Canal+’s Broader Strategy
Securing the rights to these European club competitions is a strategic move for Canal+. The company has already invested heavily in national leagues, including France’s Ligue 1, and aims to solidify its position as a leading sports broadcaster. With a global presence and millions of subscribers, Canal+ possesses the financial muscle to compete effectively in the European market.
This acquisition builds upon Canal+’s existing foothold in the Belgian market through TV Vlaanderen. The company is poised to leverage this existing infrastructure to expand its reach and attract new subscribers. The integration of the Canal+ brand and the expansion of its content offerings are expected to be key components of this strategy.
What’s Next for Belgian Football Fans?
The transition to Canal+ will unfold over the next year. Fans can expect further announcements regarding subscription packages, pricing, and broadcasting details as the 2027 season approaches. The coming months will be crucial for Canal+ as it prepares to deliver a comprehensive football viewing experience to Belgian audiences.
The UEFA Champions League group stage draw for the 2027-2028 season, scheduled for August 2027, will serve as a key milestone, marking the beginning of Canal+’s exclusive coverage. Fans will be closely watching to see how Canal+ integrates the broadcasting of these prestigious competitions into its existing platform.
For now, fans can continue to enjoy Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League matches on the current broadcasters – VTM, Telenet, and Proximus – until the rights transfer in 2027. The shift to Canal+ represents a significant change, but the passion for European football in Belgium remains strong.
The next major development to watch for will be Canal+’s official announcement of its subscription packages and pricing structure for football coverage. This information will be crucial for fans to assess their options and plan for the future of their football viewing experience.
