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Champions League Rights Return to UK Under Paramount's TNT Sports
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Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, November 24th 2025 at 10:26 GMT by The Sun- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Champions League rights return to the UK under Paramount’s TNT Sports – What it means for fans
UEFA’s flagship club competition – the Champions League – has always been a marquee event for broadcasters and viewers alike. For the next three seasons, the tournament’s UK rights have moved into the orbit of Paramount Global’s sports arm, TNT Sports. In a headline‑making deal announced in late 2023, Paramount secured exclusive broadcast rights to the 2024‑25, 2025‑26, and 2026‑27 editions of the competition. The contract represents a major shake‑up of the UK sports broadcasting landscape and carries implications that extend beyond simple scheduling. This article breaks down the deal, its context, and what fans can expect.
1. The deal in a nutshell
- Exclusive TV rights: TNT Sports will be the sole UK broadcaster of live Champions League matches for the three‑year period. This includes every group‑stage game, the knockout rounds and the final.
- Digital rights: Paramount will also own all digital streaming rights – the “on‑demand” and “live‑stream” components that have become increasingly important in the era of “over‑the‑top” (OTT) platforms. These rights will be available via Paramount+ and TNT’s own OTT portal.
- Financial package: While the exact figures were not disclosed publicly, industry estimates suggest the deal sits in the £300‑£350 million range per season – a figure that reflects the premium value of the competition, especially after the shift away from pay‑TV models.
- Contract length: Three years, with a renewal option for an additional season, giving Paramount the possibility of a four‑year run. The long‑term nature of the contract aims to provide stability for the clubs, UEFA and fans alike.
2. Why the shift? A quick history
The broadcast rights for the Champions League have cycled through several UK players over the last decade:
| Era | Broadcaster | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 2007–2015 | Sky Sports (UK) | First UK deal to bring the competition to mainstream audiences. |
| 2015–2018 | BT Sport (UK) | BT Sports took the reins after a bidding war; introduced “BT Sport Live” streaming. |
| 2018–2024 | BT Sport + BBC (UK) | 2019–20 saw a historic free‑to‑air arrangement where the final and semi‑finals were shown on BBC. BT retained pay‑TV rights. |
| 2024–present | TNT Sports (UK) | Paramount’s new deal, reflecting a shift to a unified broadcasting model that leverages both linear TV and streaming. |
The move from BT to TNT signals a strategic pivot by UEFA and Paramount to integrate more of the Champions League experience into a single, cohesive platform, combining traditional television with robust OTT capabilities. It also reflects a broader industry trend, where media conglomerates are consolidating their sports portfolios to maximize cross‑channel synergies.
3. The role of Paramount
Paramount Global (PG) has been reshaping its media strategy in recent years. After its merger with Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) in 2022, the combined entity has an unprecedented library of content and a powerful distribution network. TNT Sports, a re‑branded iteration of the former Turner Sports in the UK, now falls under this umbrella.
Key points regarding Paramount’s involvement:
- Unified content ecosystem: Paramount+ will offer live streams of Champions League matches alongside other sporting content, creating a single destination for football fans.
- Cross‑promotion: With assets such as The Daily Show and The Flintstones, Paramount has the brand equity to promote its sports content across a wide audience base.
- Data analytics: Paramount’s analytics capabilities allow for granular viewership insights. This data is used to tailor advertising and on‑screen experiences, potentially improving the commercial value of the rights.
4. How fans will see the matches
The broadcasting strategy is designed to be flexible yet comprehensive:
- Linear TV: A 12‑match window on TNT Sports, with high‑profile games scheduled in prime time slots. The flagship match day is Friday night at 9 pm (UK time). Each game will be accompanied by a full pre‑match analysis show and a post‑game recap.
- Streaming: Fans can access live streams on Paramount+ (via a subscription or a free trial) and the TNT Sports OTT app. The streaming service will offer multi‑camera angles, real‑time stats, and the option to view the match on multiple devices.
- Digital highlights: Highlight reels and match analyses will be available on the TNT Sports YouTube channel and the UEFA Champions League’s own digital portal within 24 hours of the game’s conclusion.
- International coverage: The rights are exclusive only within the UK. In continental Europe, the Champions League remains in the hands of Eurosport and other national broadcasters. In the United States, the rights belong to Paramount’s Paramount+ platform and the network itself.
5. Impact on clubs and UEFA
The contract is not just a TV deal – it’s also a strategic partnership that benefits the clubs and UEFA:
- Revenue share: Clubs receive a share of the broadcast fees, which can be a significant source of income for smaller clubs. Estimates suggest that each club can expect a 30‑40 % cut from the total value.
- Global branding: A single, streamlined broadcast platform simplifies sponsorship packages for the tournament. Sponsors get unified exposure across all matches, boosting the Champions League’s global brand value.
- Digital growth: By leveraging OTT, UEFA can reach younger audiences who consume sports via mobile and streaming. This could help the competition maintain its relevance as viewing habits shift.
6. What the deal means for fans
While many fans might initially view the transition as a “price” to pay (given that TNT Sports operates on a subscription model), the expanded digital and linear coverage offers new opportunities:
- Choice of viewing experience: Fans can choose between high‑quality linear broadcasts, on‑demand replays, or live OTT streams, depending on their preferences and budgets.
- Multiplatform engagement: The integration with social media and interactive features (e.g., live polls, instant replays) enhances the fan experience.
- Potential price concerns: Some fans have expressed worries that subscription costs could offset the benefits. However, the potential for bundled offers (e.g., combining Paramount+ with other PG services like Discovery+ or HBO Max) might mitigate the financial burden.
7. A look ahead
With the Champions League now under Paramount’s umbrella, the UK sports broadcasting ecosystem is poised for further consolidation. The success of the partnership will hinge on:
- User uptake: Whether fans will sign up for Paramount+ and TNT Sports, especially when cheaper or free alternatives exist.
- Technology: The quality of the streaming service, lag times, and the depth of analytics will be crucial.
- Commercial partnerships: Sponsorship deals tied to the tournament’s broadcast will shape the financial landscape for the next decade.
For now, fans can look forward to a well‑coordinated, multi‑channel Champions League experience that blends classic television broadcast with cutting‑edge digital services. Whether this hybrid model becomes the new norm for international football competitions remains to be seen – but one thing is certain: the next three seasons of Europe’s most coveted club tournament will unfold on a platform that is as much about data and digital innovation as it is about the beautiful game.
Read the Full The Sun Article at:
[ https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/37422288/champions-league-paramount-tnt-sports/ ]
