Paramount Plus Secures Champions League UK Rights from 2027

Paramount Plus has made a landmark move in European football broadcasting by winning the rights to the Champions League in the UK from 2027 to 2031. This shift signals the end of TNT Sports’ decade-long tenure and marks Paramount Plus’ ambitious expansion into the British sports streaming market.

Paramount Plus Champions League Bid Reshapes UK Coverage

Paramount Plus, the American streaming giant, delivered a substantial financial offer to outbid major rivals and secure exclusive UK rights to the Champions League for six seasons, according to The Telegraph. This bold investment not only elevates the value of the competition—estimated at nearly £3 billion per season—but also aligns UK coverage with Paramount’s established US operations, where CBS Sports already features Champions League matches with presenters like Kate Abdo, Micah Richards, Thierry Henry, and Jamie Carragher.

The prospect of this star-studded team appearing on British screens from 2027 is highly anticipated, potentially bringing a fresh international flair to UK football coverage.

TNT Sports’ Era Ends as Paramount Plus Rises

TNT Sports, formerly known as BT Sport, first won Champions League rights in 2013 and began broadcasting in 2015, later expanding to cover the Europa League and UEFA Conference League. However, its exclusivity started to wane in 2022 when Amazon Prime secured rights to one game per week. Now, with Paramount Plus taking over in 2027, TNT’s direct involvement with UEFA club competitions will conclude, although the network maintains domestic contracts for the Premier League and FA Cup.

Financial Impact on Football Fans

The arrival of Paramount Plus on the UK scene raises concerns about the growing cost burden on football fans, who are already juggling subscriptions to multiple platforms such as Sky Sports, TNT Sports, Amazon, and DAZN. The fragmentation of broadcasting rights continues to drive up costs, but there is a silver lining: Paramount intends to air select Champions League matches for free on Channel 5, mirroring its approach in the US and certain other markets. This move could help ease the transition for supporters reluctant to pay for another streaming service.

Streaming Giants Intensify Sports Rights Battle

The competition for Champions League rights was fierce, with both Netflix and Disney+ reportedly eyeing bids for the coveted package. Netflix, buoyed by the success of its live Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing event—which drew over 100 million viewers—has demonstrated growing ambition in the live sports market. Despite falling short in this instance, the involvement of these streaming giants underscores the rapidly rising value and importance of live football content.

Champions League Value Soars Amid Format Changes

The value of the Champions League is also being driven by UEFA’s revamped tournament format, which debuted in 2024. Expanded group stages and more matches have sent media rights prices skyrocketing, incentivizing global players like Paramount Plus to invest further in European football.

Super League Discussions Could Disrupt Paramount Plus Move

While Paramount Plus prepares for its UK entry, UEFA is simultaneously engaged in confidential talks with A22 Sports Management, Barcelona, and Real Madrid on a renewed European Super League proposal. The proposed broadcasting model, known as UNIFY, would offer fans worldwide both free, ad-supported and premium streaming options for all matches. If realized, UNIFY could radically disrupt the current broadcasting ecosystem—potentially impacting even the new Paramount Plus deal.

What This Means for the Future of Football Broadcasting

With Paramount Plus set to take over Champions League coverage from 2027, UK football fans are entering a new era of streaming. While concerns about rising costs are justified, the addition of free-to-air matches on Channel 5 helps soften the impact. Moreover, the potential arrival of renowned presenters like Kate Abdo and Thierry Henry is likely to enhance the viewing experience.

For more updates on major developments in football broadcasting and to stay ahead of the game, visit for more news.

Opinion: A Game-Changer with Challenges

Paramount Plus’s victory in securing the Champions League rights marks a transformative moment for UK football fans, promising a modernized presentation and international expertise. However, as subscription costs mount and streaming rivalries intensify, the need for accessible, affordable coverage is more pressing than ever. UEFA’s evolving tournament formats and ongoing Super League discussions only add more uncertainty—making this an era to watch closely for supporters and industry insiders alike.