Facebook will stream more than a dozen matches from the Champions League across the United States.
The social network has signed an agreement with Fox Sports, which has the rights to screen the European club competition in the United States. The agreement covers the 2016-18 season.
This season’s final of the Champions League and sister competition the Europa League were both carried on Facebook Live.
Fox Sports will stream the Champions League matches in the United States on the Fox Sports Facebook Page, and in Spanish on the Fox Deportes Facebook Page, beginning in September during group stage competition.
“Facebook is a social media powerhouse and a great partner to help us grow soccer in the United States,” said David Nathanson, Head of Business Operations, Fox Sports. “As people spend more and more time on mobile devices and social networks, offering matches on this platform is a natural extension.”
The agreement covers two live matches per match day in the group stage, four rounds of 16 matches and four quarterfinal matches. All matches on Facebook will also be available on Fox Sports GO. Half of these matches will be distributed in English, while the other half will be carried in Spanish.
“The UEFA Champions League is one of the biggest football tournaments in the world, so we’re thrilled to partner with Fox Sports to deliver live matches to fans on Facebook in the US next season,” said Dan Reed, Head of Global Sports Partnerships, Facebook. “This collaboration unlocks new distribution for Fox, giving the network a national platform for matches that won’t always be televised.”
Facebook is becoming increasingly attracted to sports. It’s screened games from Major League Soccer, the NBA and the women’s La Liga from Spain.
