UEFA unveils new Champions League branding ahead of revised format

The new format for the 2024-25 Champions League is almost upon us. For the first time since 2003 when the UCL featured a format tweak with the introduction of a 16-team knockout round instead of a second group stage, the competition has functioned on this basis for over 20 years.

“Too many predictable group stage games with too many dead rubbers” and “can we have more money spinning games” are the claims from fans and clubs respectively with UEFA acting accordingly and introducing the new 36 team league format.

Instead of traditional format that saw all 32 teams being drawn into eight groups of four and playing six group games, the 36 qualified teams will instead take part in eight matches and go into one giant table, with goal difference the first tie-breaker for teams finishing level on points.

The draw for the first new look format will take place on Thursday (29 August) as a hybrid draw with a team being selected by hand and the computer then devising a fixture list.

New ball, anthem and branding

Of course, a new format means a new matchday ball, a new revised Champions League anthem and revised branding to herald the new-look UCL.

The new UEFA graphics include a reworking of the iconic starball and accompanying visuals, the stadium and its striking starball dome.

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The Champions League starball and the stadium dome are now made of glass, and the colours move around the edges of the stars, representing the array of clubs competing in the league phase. While the brand identity has seen subtle tweaks, iconic elements such as the logo remain unchanged.

The new brand will appear in all aspects of UCL marketing, digital media, stadium branding and broadcasting.