David Beckham’s new venture: A fresh take on UEFA Champions League commentary
A new era of sports commentary
David Beckham, the iconic English footballer, is set to bring a unique twist to UEFA Champions League coverage on Paramount+. Under a two-year deal, Beckham and his friends will provide an alternate telecast, offering a fresh and engaging viewing experience for fans.
The “Beckham & Friends” altcast
The partnership introduces the “Beckham & Friends” altcast, a new viewing option for Paramount+ subscribers. This special telecast will be available during the UEFA Champions League Semifinal Leg 2 matches and the UEFA Champions League Final. The deal extends through 2025 and 2026, promising exclusive altcasts where Beckham will be joined by friends from sports, media, and entertainment.
Beckham announced this exciting venture during a guest appearance on CBS Sports’ “UEFA Champions League Today” studio show. The 2024-25 season, which kicks off on September 17, will see a shift from the traditional group stage to a league system featuring 36 teams.
A watch party with a twist
Beckham’s altcast aims to replicate the casual, enjoyable atmosphere of watching a game with friends. “I love watching the game, and I like watching the game in a certain way, and most of the time it is either with my kids or my friends,” Beckham shared. “So it’s going to be that kind of thing, where I’m sat there watching the games, commenting on the games, with friends, talking about the game and not sometimes talking about the game.”
This approach is reminiscent of the popular “ManningCast” on ESPN, where NFL legends Peyton and Eli Manning provide commentary for “Monday Night Football” games. The success of such formats highlights a growing trend in sports broadcasting, where multiple versions of the same event are presented with different commentator teams and features.
Behind the scenes with Beckham
Earlier on the same day, Beckham spoke at the Royal Television Society conference in London, discussing the Emmy-winning docuseries “Beckham” on Netflix, produced by his Studio 99 production company. Reflecting on the experience, Beckham admitted, “I hated almost every moment of making it… it was very difficult.”
Production and collaboration
The “Beckham & Friends” altcast will be produced by CBS Sports in collaboration with UEFA Champions League, Authentic, and Relevent Sports Group. This collaboration ensures a high-quality production that aligns with the standards of both CBS Sports and UEFA.
Paramount+ and its sports lineup
Paramount+ continues to expand its sports offerings, with the UEFA Champions League being one of the 1,500-plus live soccer matches available annually. The service also streams a variety of other sports, including NFL, college football and basketball, golf, and the National Women’s Soccer League.
A personal reflection
As a long-time fan of both football and innovative broadcasting, I find Beckham’s new venture particularly exciting. The idea of blending sports commentary with a casual, conversational style resonates with many fans who enjoy the camaraderie of watching games with friends. This format not only makes the viewing experience more relatable but also brings a fresh perspective to traditional sports commentary.
For those interested in exploring this new format, the “Beckham & Friends” altcast promises to be a delightful addition to the UEFA Champions League coverage. It’s an opportunity to see one of football’s greatest icons in a new light, sharing his passion for the game in a relaxed and engaging manner.
Explore more
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the UEFA Champions League page. Stay tuned to Paramount+ for the latest updates and exclusive content.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of David Beckham’s new venture with Paramount+, offering insights and personal reflections for cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts. By integrating direct links to trailers and information pages, readers can easily access additional details and multimedia resources, enhancing their overall experience.