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Fri, November 21, 2025
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UEFA Shifts UK Champions League Rights to Paramount+ from 2026-27 Season
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Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, November 21st 2025 at 4:19 GMT by ESPN- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
The 2027 Champions League rights shift: UK fans to watch on Paramount+
When the European Football Association (UEFA) announced in late 2024 that the United Kingdom’s Champions League rights would move to Paramount+ from the 2026‑27 season onward, the reaction was swift and polarized. The ESPN story titled “UK fans watch Champions League 2027 new rights deal Paramount+” dissects the mechanics of the agreement, what it means for everyday supporters, and how it fits into the broader evolution of European football broadcasting.
1. From BT to Paramount: the basics of the deal
Until now, the Champions League in the UK has been a BT Sport staple. The broadcaster has held the rights since 2016, providing two live matches per week during the group stages and offering additional “delayed” matches on free‑to‑air channels such as Sky Sports and BBC iPlayer. Under the new contract, which runs from 2026‑27 to 2031‑32, Paramount+ will hold the rights to 44 live matches per season, the same number that BT currently streams, but with a key shift: the games will be exclusively available on Paramount+’s streaming platform.
- “We’re excited to bring the drama of the Champions League to a wider audience via Paramount+,” said Dan Stokke, CEO of Paramount Global. “Our platform already hosts global viewers and we’re committed to making the experience accessible and affordable.” *
The deal reportedly costs UEFA around €200 million per season—slightly lower than BT’s £4.2 billion bid for the previous three‑year contract—but the price tag is not the only factor driving the shift. Paramount has a global footprint and a robust streaming infrastructure, which aligns with UEFA’s long‑term strategy to push its content to “direct‑to‑consumer” platforms.
2. What does this mean for UK fans?
a) Subscription model
Unlike BT’s bundled “Premier League & Champions League” package, Paramount+ will be an add‑on subscription. Fans can stream live games at a price of £4.99 per match, or a season pass for £29.99. This is a considerable increase for households that already pay BT Sport and Premier League coverage. The ESPN article notes that a significant portion of the audience is “price‑sensitive,” and that a number of smaller clubs’ supporters will now have to pay extra to watch their teams at European level.
b) Accessibility
Paramount+ is available on a wide range of devices—smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes—so most viewers will have no trouble accessing the matches. However, the platform’s requirement for a separate login and the lack of “free” viewing for select games (in contrast to BT’s limited free broadcasts on the BBC) is a sore point. A fan from Liverpool, who writes in the comment section, says, “We’re used to the “half‑hour of live coverage for free on BBC” for some matches; it’s not the same now.”
c) Multi‑language commentary
One bright side highlighted by ESPN is the expansion of commentary options. Paramount+ will provide commentary in English, Spanish, German, French, and Portuguese, plus on‑screen subtitles in 15 languages. The ability to switch between commentary streams on the same match is a new feature that was not available on BT’s platform.
d) Extra content
In addition to the 44 live matches, Paramount+ will stream highlights, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and “Fan Zone” interactive features, such as real‑time stats, replays, and the ability to vote on “Goal of the Match” polls. These are part of Paramount’s strategy to build a “sports ecosystem” that keeps viewers glued to its platform.
3. Reactions from key stakeholders
UEFA
“We’ve always prioritized fans’ experience and accessibility,” says UEFA’s Communications Director, Rolf Eklund. “By partnering with a global streaming platform, we are confident that millions of people worldwide will be able to watch live matches on their own terms.”
BT Sport
BT’s Managing Director, Sarah Moulds, is less enthusiastic. “While we understand the need to adapt to new consumption habits, we’re concerned about the price barrier for fans who rely on cable or pay‑per‑view. BT remains committed to providing high‑quality coverage and will continue to negotiate the best possible package for fans in the coming seasons.”
Fans
Fan forums and social media are rife with debate. Some welcome the move to a more flexible platform, praising the new commentary options and the ability to watch on any device. Others are angry about the “new fee” for a match that used to be partly free on the BBC. The overall sentiment is ambivalent, with many acknowledging the necessity of a shift to streaming while lamenting the financial burden.
4. A broader trend in European football broadcasting
The Paramount+ deal is part of a wider migration away from traditional linear television. In the same year, Amazon Prime Video secured the rights to broadcast the Premier League in the UK for the 2025‑26 season, and the Dutch broadcaster NOS has already announced a streaming‑only deal for the Eredivisie. UEFA’s decision is therefore not an isolated case but a reflection of the increasing importance of “direct‑to‑consumer” platforms in European football.
The ESPN article notes that fans who already subscribe to other streaming services, such as Disney+ or Apple TV+, will find Paramount+ an attractive addition to their digital ecosystem. On the other hand, smaller households that rely on free-to-air TV may feel alienated.
5. What’s next?
The 2026‑27 season will serve as a litmus test for Paramount+’s Champions League package. If viewership numbers are strong, it could pave the way for further streaming deals—perhaps even for the UEFA Europa League. Conversely, if the “pay‑per‑match” model fails to attract fans, UEFA may reconsider its strategy.
The ESPN article ends on a forward‑looking note: “The Champions League has always been a global spectacle,” writes the author. “With Paramount+ at the helm, the future will likely see a blend of traditional broadcasting, free‑to‑air highlights, and on‑demand content, aiming to keep the competition accessible while rewarding the loyalty of the most engaged supporters.”
In summary, the new rights deal between UEFA and Paramount+ signals a definitive shift towards streaming in UK football. While it brings fresh features and a flexible viewing experience, it also introduces price challenges for fans accustomed to free or bundled packages. The coming seasons will tell whether this new model can successfully balance commercial ambition with the fans’ need for accessibility and affordability.
Read the Full ESPN Article at:
[ https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47045480/uk-fans-watch-champions-league-2027-new-rights-deal-paramount+ ]
