Polsat to launch new channels ahead of Champions League coverage

Polish commercial and pay-television broadcaster Polsat has said it will launch two new sports channels in an effort to support its rights for the Uefa Champions League and Europa League club football competitions.

Polsat Sport Premium 1 and Polsat Sport Premium 2 will be available in the Super HD format and be provided advertising-free.

Polsat also said it would provide four additional “premium live services” which will allow it to show all Champions League matches per round live.

Dariusz Działkowski, member of the management board of Telewizja Polsat and member of the management board of Cyfrowy Polsat for technology, said: “Super HD, unlike 4K, is a standard already available to all users or our set-top-boxes. There is still very little 4K content and broadcasts in Super HD do not require replacement of equipment at home. Super HD is becoming the standard, e.g. in Italy, and we are convinced that Polish fans will appreciate a much better picture quality.”

In June 2017, Polsat confirmed the acquisition of exclusive rights for the Champions League and Europa League. The rights for both competitions will run for three seasons, from 2018-19 to 2020-21, and cover television, internet and mobile platforms.

In acquiring the Champions League rights, Polsat has dislodged pay-television operator NC Plus. NC Plus and international media and entertainment company Discovery Communications jointly held rights for the Europa League, with matches involving Polish teams and the final sublicensed to public-service broadcaster TVP.