The way football fans watch the UEFA Champions League in the UK is set for a dramatic overhaul. In a landmark move, Paramount Skydance has successfully secured the majority of the broadcasting rights for the prestigious tournament, starting from the 2027 season. This decision marks the end of an era for the current broadcaster, TNT Sports, and signals a major shift in the sports media landscape. Consequently, viewers across the UK, and those following the UK feed from international locations like the US and across Africa, will be entering a new age of football streaming.

A New Era for UK Champions League Viewers

Paramount Takes the Helm

From 2027 to 2031, Paramount+ will become the primary destination for Champions League football in the United Kingdom. The American media giant reportedly submitted a bid considerably higher than the £1 billion currently paid by TNT Sports, which has held the rights since 2015. This bold acquisition is Paramount’s first major foray into international sports rights, demonstrating a clear and aggressive strategy to expand its global footprint. Furthermore, this builds upon their existing success, as Paramount+ is already the home of the Champions League in the United States. For official tournament information, visit the UEFA website.

How the Deal Reshapes Broadcasting

This transition means that TNT Sports is expected to lose its coverage after more than a decade of broadcasting Europe’s elite club competition. The move by Paramount is a significant disruption to the traditional UK sports market. It follows a growing trend of streaming services investing heavily in live sports, previously the exclusive domain of established television broadcasters.

How Will This Affect Football Fans?

The most immediate change for fans will be the need to adapt their viewing habits. While Paramount will broadcast the vast majority of games, they won’t have every single one. This change introduces a split-rights model that is becoming more common across Europe.

The Subscription Split

To catch all the action, many fans will likely need more than one subscription. Amazon Prime is set to retain its rights for the first pick of Tuesday night matches. This arrangement mirrors their strategy in other key European markets, including Germany and Italy.

Therefore, the new viewing landscape from 2027 will look something like this:

• Paramount+: The home for almost every Champions League match.
• Amazon Prime Video: Exclusive broadcaster for the top-choice Tuesday night game.

This division of rights means the days of finding all the games on one platform are coming to an end.

A Global Strategy for Streaming Giants

This deal is not just about the UK; it’s a piece of a much larger global puzzle. Streaming services are increasingly seeing live sports as essential content to attract and retain subscribers worldwide. Paramount’s acquisition strengthens its international offering, making its service more appealing in a competitive market.

In addition, Amazon’s continued presence underscores its own ambitions. By securing top-tier matches not only in the UK but also extending its rights into Spain and France from 2027, Amazon is solidifying its position as a major player in European sports broadcasting. This strategic push by streaming giants is fundamentally changing how sports rights are sold and consumed on a global scale. Explore Amazon’s other sports offerings here.

Conclusion: Get Ready for the Change

In conclusion, the UEFA Champions League is heading to a new home in the UK from 2027. Paramount’s successful bid will make its streaming service the main hub for the tournament, offering nearly every match. However, with Amazon Prime Video holding onto key Tuesday night games, fans will need to embrace a multi-platform future. This shift reflects a powerful global trend where digital streaming services are redefining the live sports experience for audiences everywhere. The countdown to a new era of Champions League football has officially begun.