TNT Sports is set to lose the rights to broadcast Champions League games in the United Kingdom from 2027.
The report suggests that rival broadcaster Paramount+ is poised to take over, which is huge news for Liverpool fans based on Merseyside and across the UK. Since the 2015-16 season, TNT has been airing the Champions League, Europa League, and the Conference League, having secured the UK rights in 2013 from Sky Sports.
Paramount+, known for its heavy investment in films and entertainment, has recently started broadening its offerings with sports content in the UK. At present, viewers based in the United States can watch the Champions League via Paramount+, which also recently inked a deal with UFC to air the mixed martial arts organization's events.
Thursday's huge news was first reported by The Times.
It's also understood that Paramount+ has placed bids for the rights in other major European countries.
The bidding process for these rights is being managed by Relevent Football, and insiders suggest it's an incredibly complex operation.
Bids for the rights in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, and France are reportedly happening simultaneously.
The Champions League is heading to Paramount+
The Champions League is heading to Paramount+ (Image: Getty Images)
Despite losing the Champions League coverage, TNT will retain the rights to Premier League matches and the FA Cup.
This shakeup could mean soccer fans in the UK may need to subscribe to another service if they wish to continue watching Champions League soccer.
Amazon Prime is poised to secure the first choice of Tuesday matches in major European competitions, courtesy of a fresh streaming agreement with UEFA.
The company is currently engaged in a three-year contract to exclusively air 17 top-choice matches from the competition each season.
This development comes as the Champions League prepares to make its comeback after a fortnight's international break, which also paused domestic soccer.
The upcoming round of games will see Ajax square off against Benfica, Galatasaray challenge Union Saint-Gilloise, Bodo/Glimt welcome Juventus, and Napoli go head-to-head with Qarabag.
In other matches, Newcastle will embark on a journey to Marseille, Borussia Dortmund will host Villarreal, Chelsea will face Barcelona, Manchester City will lock horns with Bayer Leverkusen, and Slavia Praha will meet Athletic Club.