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UEFA is reportedly set to make a major change to their broadcasting tender process which could see the Champions League shown on Netflix.
Europe's elite club competition brings in billions of pounds worth of commercial revenue to UEFA every season, with an estimated 100 different broadcasters across the globe buying up different packages.
However, according to Bloomberg, European football's governing body is looking for an alteration to how these are sold in an attempt to appeal to streaming providers like Amazon and Netflix.
Previously, major markets were sold to broadcasters at different times, meaning there has been a proliferation of companies that show games.
The report states UEFA want to allow broadcasters and streaming companies to throw their hats into the ring for multiple markets at the same time, something that was difficult with the old regulations.
As part of this new process, it could mean that one single broadcaster has exclusive rights to show a game globally.
UEFA is reportedly set to make a major change to their broadcasting tender process which could see the Champions League shown on Netflix
UEFA's move may appeal to streaming giants (pictured president Aleksander Ceferin)
Elsewhere, UEFA is also discussing the potential for broadcasters to sign longer-term deals for their packages.
Deals currently tend to be around three years, something UEFA introduced more than 20 years ago after pressure from the European Commission to keep them limited in order to increase competition.
The report suggests UEFA's change of tact towards longer-term deals has come after they agreed a $1.5billion (£1.12million) deal with Paramount in 2022 for the US media rights to Champions League football up until 2030.
Tenders for the bidding process from 2027 onwards are expected to be sent out by UEFA in the coming weeks.
The move to attract the likes of Netflix comes with the streaming giant keen to add major sporting events to their offerings.
Last year, they showed Mike Tyson's fight with Jake Paul, while they have also struck agreements to broadcast key Major League Baseball and NFL games. They are yet to dip into season-long packages.
Netflix has shown one-off sporting events but it is yet to agree to season-long packages
Meanwhile, UEFA's current broadcast market features a mix of streamers and broadcasters, with TNT Sports holding the main rights within the UK, although Amazon has the rights for certain matches.
The combined gross commercial revenue of the Champions League, Europa League, Conference League and Super Cup, UEFA's key men's club competitions, is expected to be at least €4.4m (£3.84m) every season through to 2027.
The push for a change in the tendering process also comes after the introduction of a larger League Phase in the Champions League last season, which sees an increase in the number of group and knockout games for each team.
According to reports, that led to an 18 per cent increase in broadcasting revenue across its top six markets.
