Paramount Plus Secures Champions League Rights in UK from 2027

Paramount Plus Champions League coverage is set to transform the UK football broadcast landscape, as the American streaming giant has clinched exclusive rights to air UEFA’s prestigious tournament from 2027 to 2031. This landmark deal replaces TNT Sports and signals a new era for British fans eager to experience the Champions League through fresh eyes.

Paramount Plus Champions League Expansion: The End of an Era

Paramount Plus’ acquisition of Champions League rights marks a pivotal shift in UK sports broadcasting. After more than a decade under TNT Sports (previously BT Sport), the UEFA Champions League will move to a new home. According to The Telegraph, Paramount Plus submitted a financial package far surpassing its competitors, ensuring its place as the primary broadcaster for the next six seasons.

With CBS Sports already delivering acclaimed Champions League coverage in the United States, UK fans can anticipate a seamless transition. Familiar faces like Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry, and Gareth Bale could now become regulars on British screens, blending expert analysis with engaging presentation.

Impact on TNT Sports and the Changing Broadcast Market

TNT Sports first secured Champions League rights in 2013, investing nearly £900 million to wrestle them from Sky Sports. Their journey began in the 2015–16 season, later adding Europa League and Conference League coverage. The introduction of Amazon Prime in 2022 diluted TNT’s exclusivity, and now, Paramount Plus’ entry ends TNT’s Champions League association. Nevertheless, TNT Sports retains rights to domestic competitions like the Premier League (until 2029) and the FA Cup, maintaining a significant presence in the UK sports market.

What Paramount Plus Brings to UK Champions League Fans

Paramount Plus Champions League coverage won’t just mirror the US model. The company plans to air select matches for free via Channel 5—its UK terrestrial channel—following a similar strategy used internationally. This approach could alleviate concerns over the increasing cost of following football, as fans currently juggle subscriptions to Sky Sports, TNT, Amazon, and DAZN.

For comprehensive updates, fixtures, and in-depth football news, visit our homepage for more news.

Streaming Giants in the Race: Netflix and Disney+ Join the Fray

The battle for Champions League rights was fierce. Both Netflix and Disney+ reportedly bid for the package, emboldened by Netflix’s recent success with the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event, which drew over 100 million viewers. Netflix’s foray into sports streaming continued with the broadcast of Paul vs. Anthony Joshua, signaling long-term ambitions in live sports. However, Paramount Plus ultimately prevailed, underlining the escalating value of top European football properties. Current rights are valued at nearly £3 billion per season—a testament to the competition among global broadcasters.

The Future: UEFA, the Super League, and Changing Broadcast Models

While Paramount Plus Champions League coverage represents a substantial change, even bigger shifts could be on the horizon. UEFA is engaged in confidential negotiations regarding a revamped European Super League, involving heavyweights like Barcelona and Real Madrid. One of the most innovative aspects is the proposed UNIFY streaming platform, which would offer both free and premium access to all matches worldwide. UNIFY’s global model could dramatically alter how fans access elite football, potentially challenging traditional broadcasters and new players like Paramount Plus.

Opinion: A Game-Changer for Champions League Fans—But at What Price?

The arrival of Paramount Plus Champions League coverage in the UK offers fans a fresh perspective, enhanced production values, and star-studded punditry. The inclusion of free-to-air matches via Channel 5 is a welcome move amid rising subscription fatigue. However, with rights increasingly fragmented, UK viewers may struggle with mounting costs to keep up with Europe’s top clubs. Looking ahead, the evolving broadcast landscape—especially with concepts like UNIFY—may ultimately provide broader access, but for now, Paramount’s bold step signals both excitement and new challenges for football fans.