Fox Euro 2024 Broadcasting Rights Secured in Six-Year UEFA Deal
Fox has secured the US broadcast rights for Euro 2024 as part of a comprehensive six-year agreement with UEFA. This landmark deal grants Fox extensive coverage of European soccer, including the 2024 and 2028 European Championships, the UEFA Nations League, World Cup and Euro qualifiers, and all UEFA-controlled friendly matches. The agreement encompasses over 1,500 matches, commencing with the Nations League in June 2022.
Fox Euro 2024 Coverage to Enhance Fox Bet Platform
Fox’s Euro 2024 coverage, along with other UEFA competitions, will be available on Fox Bet and Fox Bet Super 6. This integration aims to enrich the user experience by connecting live sports viewing with interactive betting opportunities. This strategic move leverages the synergy between Fox’s sports broadcasting and its growing presence in the sports betting market.
Fox Outbids Competitors for Lucrative UEFA Rights
Previously held by ESPN, the UEFA national team rights were highly sought after by several major US media companies, including CBS, NBC, and ESPN itself. ESPN reportedly paid US$115 million for Euro 2020 alone. UEFA was aiming for approximately US$300 million for the rights to both the 2024 and 2028 tournaments, according to a Sports Business Journal report. Fox ultimately secured the deal, signifying a significant investment in premium soccer content.
Fox’s “Summer of Soccer” Solidified Through 2028
Fox’s acquisition of the Euro 2024 rights aligns with its strategy of building a dominant portfolio of soccer properties. The network’s chief executive, Lachlan Murdoch, highlighted the positive impact of returning to regular sports programming on ad revenue during a recent quarterly report. Eric Shanks, Fox Sports chief executive and executive producer, emphasized that the Euros complement Fox’s existing lineup of major soccer events, including the FIFA Men’s and Women’s World Cups, Conmebol Copa América, and Concacaf Gold Cup, creating a “summer of soccer” through 2028.
Fox’s Continued Investment in Global Soccer
This latest agreement reinforces Fox’s commitment to broadcasting major soccer tournaments. Fox previously invested US$425 million in securing the US rights for the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, later extending the deal to include the 2026 World Cup and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Furthermore, Fox commenced a six-year partnership with Conmebol earlier this year, encompassing both men’s and women’s Copa America tournaments. The acquisition of the UEFA rights, including Euro 2024, further solidifies Fox’s position as a leading broadcaster of international soccer in the United States.