Virgin Media and TV3 today announced a major sports deal which sees the combined broadcasting and television platform business become the new home of top European club football from next season.

 

The agreement with UEFA sees Virgin Media and TV3 win exclusive Irish rights to all Wednesday UEFA Champions League matches, all Thursday UEFA Europa League matches and the Finals of both competitions.

 

In total, Virgin Media and TV3 will have Irish exclusive rights to 327 matches across both competitions per season and will share rights for 16 Tuesday night UCL matches.

 

The deal, which comes into effect in August this year, also includes exclusive rights to all UEFA Champions League final round qualifiers, the Super Cup and all highlights rights  to both UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League for the next three years.

 

Speaking about this major content deal for the Virgin Media Group, Pat Kiely, Managing Director of TV3 said:

 

"The UEFA Champions League is the biggest and most prestigious club competition in the world and we are delighted to extend our partnership with UEFA for both the Champions League and the UEFA Europa League. This landmark deal confirms Virgin Media as Ireland's leading connected entertainment business and is great news for TV3 viewers and Virgin Media Customers.   Our award winning Sports Broadcasting team look forward to bringing the biggest clubs and the best players to our viewers and customers in new and exciting ways over the coming European football seasons ."

 

 

About Virgin Media

 

Virgin Media is known for challenging the status quo – taking on industry giants, championing people and simply delivering extraordinary products and services.

 

We help create a digital world that makes good things happen: for our customers and the communities in which we operate.   Our multi award-winning services: broadband, TV, mobile and home phone connect thousands of people across Ireland.  But we’re not finished, we’re extending our network reach so that more communities and enjoy the benefits of the fastest widely available broadband speeds from only one provider in Ireland.

 

Virgin Media acquired TV3 and UTV Ireland which now operates under the TV3 Group to become Ireland’s number one commercial broadcaster.  As Ireland’s number one commercial broadcaster, TV3 operates three free-to-air channels - TV3, 3e and Be3 and is a significant investor in home produced content – across news, current affairs and drama.

 

Through Virgin Media Business, we support entrepreneurs, businesses and the public sector, delivering the fastest speeds and tailor-made services.

 

Virgin Media is part of Liberty Global, the world’s largest international TV and broadband company, with operations in 11 European countries.