ITV has today announced a new extended deal which will keep the UEFA Champions League on terrestrial TV for the next four years (1999/2000 – 2002/2003). Coverage will include 17 live Wednesday night matches, and new highlights on Thursday nights.
The broadcaster has sub-licensed live coverage of Thursday night matches to digital terrestrial broadcaster, ONdigital. ONdigital is jointly owned by ITV franchise companies Carlton and Granada. ITV2, ITV’s digital terrestrial channel currently available through ONdigital, is also promising viewers live coverage of a complementary Champions League match on Wednesday nights.
Brian Barwick, controller of sport at ITV, commented: “There is no doubt that this long-term deal with UEFA confirms ITV as the leading terrestrial broadcaster of football in the UK.”
ITV’s Sponsorship Committee also announced a sponsorship deal today. Guinness is to sponsor ITV’s exclusive coverage of the 1999 Rugby World Cup. The agreement is believed to be worth around £4 million, and will include 41 live matches to be broadcast on ITV and ITV2.
ITV: 0171 843 8000
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