Champions League to stay on Paramount+ as CBS Sports renews UEFA deal

Paramount-owned CBS Sports has renewed its rights deal with UEFA in a six-season extension that will see it continue to be the home of European club competitions in the US.

The deal will see all men’s Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League matches live streamed on Paramount+, with select games to be broadcast on CBS Sports Network and CBS. 

The deal is worth a reported US$250 million per year, two-and-a-half times the size of Paramount’s existing US$100 million per season deal that expires in 2024. 

Part of the reason for the deal growing significantly in value will be due to the Champions League’s move to the ‘Swiss Model’ from 2024. This will see the competition almost double in size from 125 games per season to 225 games, with the total number of teams increasing from 32 to 36.

Commenting on the deal, CBS Sports Chairman Sean McManus said: “UEFA has been a key driver for Paramount+ since our launch and we are thrilled to extend this successful partnership showcasing even more world-class soccer through the 2029-30 season, building on the incredible momentum we have created the past two years.

“UEFA is a perfect example of our differentiated strategy presenting marquee properties to drive and strengthen both our streaming and traditional linear businesses. This multiplatform approach allows us to leverage the power of Paramount Global to reach the broadest possible audience and elevate and grow the reach of UEFA in the United States. We look forward to continuing to provide soccer fans CBS Sports’ best-in class coverage that our viewers expect.”

The competition’s Spanish-language rights for the US are currently held by Univision, and these are yet to be sold.