"For the first time in its history, M6 will be the official free-to-air broadcaster of the Champions League final in 2025, 2026 and 2027, the most prestigious of European club competitions," the group said in a statement.
The day before, Canal+, a pay channel, had announced that it had won the call for tenders for the broadcast of all C1 matches, including the final, but also the Europa League (C3) and the Europa League Conference. (C4), created last season.
The M6 group, which notably owns the W9 channel, still holds the rights to the other two European Cups until 2024.
The Champions League final is one of the protected sporting events which must be broadcast in the clear according to a decree established in 2004, like the Tour de France or the final of the Coupe de France.
This year, the final between Real Madrid and Liverpool, won by the Spanish club 1-0, was broadcast on TF1, but also on Canal+ and RMC Sport.
TF1 and M6 are currently at the heart of a merger project, which should be finalized in early 2023.
A merger that would give birth to a French giant in the market for audiovisual rights, channel distribution and television advertising, with around 75% of French turnover in the latter sector.
© 2022 AFP