US media powerhouse Fox Sports has cemented its commitment to soccer, locking in a significant six-year broadcast agreement with UEFA. This comprehensive deal encompasses the highly anticipated 2024 and 2028 European Championships, ensuring fans in the United States will have prime access to top-tier international football action, often referred to as “Fox Euro” coverage by enthusiasts.
Beyond the prestigious Euro tournaments, the agreement with European soccer’s governing body extends to a vast portfolio of competitions. This includes the UEFA Nations League, crucial national team qualifiers for both the World Cup and Euro, and all international friendly matches under UEFA’s jurisdiction. Starting in June 2022 with the Nations League, this contract delivers an impressive offering of over 1,500 matches, establishing Fox Sports as a primary destination for European national team soccer.
A key element of Fox’s strategy involves integrating this UEFA content with its digital platforms. Coverage will be readily accessible on Fox Bet and Fox Bet Super 6, enhancing the user experience for viewers who engage with sports betting and prediction services. This strategic move aligns with the growing intersection of sports broadcasting and online gaming, catering to a modern audience seeking integrated entertainment options.
Previously, ESPN held the rights to UEFA European Championship broadcasts in the US, having showcased the tournament since 2008. Reports indicate ESPN paid a substantial US$115 million solely for Euro 2020. Sports Business Journal had previously reported that UEFA aimed to secure US$300 million for the combined rights to the two main Euro tournaments included in this rights cycle. Industry sources suggest that CBS, NBC, and ESPN were all involved in discussions with UEFA before Fox ultimately secured the long-term deal.
The confirmation of this landmark deal came directly from Fox Corporation chief executive Lachlan Murdoch during their latest quarterly report. Murdoch highlighted the return of consistent sports programming as a significant factor in driving a robust 17 percent year-over-year increase in advertising revenue, underscoring the value of premium sports content like UEFA Euro.
Eric Shanks, Fox Sports chief executive and executive producer, emphasized the strategic fit of the UEFA Euros within Fox’s broader soccer programming. “The Euros fit perfectly into the world’s greatest tournaments – including the FIFA men’s and women’s World Cups, CONMEBOL Copa América and Concacaf Gold Cup – solidifying Fox Sports’ summer of soccer through 2028,” stated Shanks. This acquisition further bolsters Fox Sports’ already impressive soccer portfolio, which includes rights to major FIFA and CONMEBOL tournaments. Notably, Fox Sports had previously invested US$425 million for the US rights to the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, a deal that was extended in 2015 to encompass the 2026 World Cup and the 2023 Women’s World Cup. Furthermore, Fox Sports initiated a six-year partnership with CONMEBOL earlier in the year, encompassing multiple women’s Copa América tournaments and the prestigious men’s Copa América in 2024, showcasing their long-term commitment to premier soccer coverage.
