France: D8 takes Champions League final from TF1
December 10, 2015
From Pascale Paoli-Lebailly in Paris
Canal+’s FTA DTT channel D8 has acquired the rights for the next three years to air the UEFA Champions League final, which is usually broadcast by TF1.
Pay-TV channel beIN Sports which will also broadcast the games, but being classed as “an important sporting event” means the Champions League final also has to be co-broadcast by a FTA channel. According to sport daily L’Equipe, D8 have paid more than €3 million a year for the rights.
This acquisition demonstrates “D8’s will to invest in event programmes that bring people to the channel” explained the station.
For Canal+ Group, this is some consolation after Altice recently took the rights to the English Premier League.