It’s finally here. The UEFA Champions League is back for the 2025-26 season, and if you’re scratching your head trying to figure out where to watch it, you’re not alone. Here’s the thing: the landscape of European football broadcasting has shifted dramatically. For fans in the United States, the answer is simple but comes with a catch—almost everything lives on one platform.
In the U.S., CBS Sports holds exclusive English-language rights through the end of the 2029-30 season. That means every single match, from the opening group stage games to the final whistle in Budapest, is streamed exclusively via Paramount+. Traditional TV? It’s scarce. Only select matches air on CBS or CBS Sports Network. If you want the full experience, you need the stream. Spanish-language viewers have more luck with linear TV, as Univision Deportes (TUDN) retains rights through 2026-27, offering broadcasts on Univision and TUDN networks.
The Big Matches: Semifinals and Final
Let’s look at the schedule that matters most right now. The semifinal second legs are set for early May 2026, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time, Arsenal takes on Atlético Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. This clash will be available on CBS, Paramount+, and ViX. A day later, on Wednesday, May 6, Bayern Munich faces Paris Saint-Germain, also at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch this heavyweight bout on Paramount+, DAZN, CBS, and ViX.
Then comes the main event. The Champions League final is scheduled for 12:00 PM Eastern Time in Budapest, Hungary. Whether you’re rooting for the Germans or the French, you’ll need Paramount+ or CBS to see who lifts the trophy. It’s a massive shift from years past when finals were free-to-air events; now, they’re premium content locked behind subscriptions.
Earlier Knockouts: April Showdowns
Before we get to those semis, there was plenty of drama in April. On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Sporting CP hosted Arsenal at Estádio José Alvalade in Lisbon, Portugal. Barcelona took on Atlético Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou in Spain, while Paris Saint-Gerplain faced Liverpool at Parc des Princes in France. All these first-leg matches aired at 3:00 PM ET exclusively on Paramount+. No cable package tricks, no regional blackouts—just straight-up streaming access. For new subscribers, Paramount+ offers a 7-day free trial, which is a lifeline for casual fans who only want to watch the big games.
Global Broadcast Partners: Who Gets What?
Outside the U.S., the picture gets complicated fast. UEFA has carved up the world into territories, each with its own broadcaster. In the United Kingdom, fans split their time between Paramount+ and Prime Video. Germany sees a three-way battle between DAZN, Amazon Prime, and ZDF. Italy’s audience divides between Sky and Amazon Prime. Even in France, Canal+ shares space with Servus TV and ORF.
- Europe: Coverage varies wildly. Denmark uses Viaplay, Norway relies on TV2, and Sweden surprisingly uses Disney+. Austria combines Sky Sport and Canal+. Belgium splits coverage among RTL, VTM, Proximus, and Play Sports.
- Latin America: ESPN and Paramount+ dominate most of the region, excluding Brazil. Mexico viewers tune into Max and FOX. Brazil itself has TNT Sports and SBT handling the action.
- Asia and Oceania: Australia watches via Stan Sport. Japan uses WOWOW. Kazakhstan relies on Quest Media and Qazsport.
- Africa and Middle East: beIN Sports covers many territories, including Brunei and Cambodia. Israel uses The Sports Channel.
This fragmentation means if you travel, your home app might not work. A subscriber in London can’t necessarily use their UK Paramount+ account in Berlin. It’s a headache for global fans, but it’s how the money flows.
Why This Matters for Fans
The move toward streaming exclusivity isn’t just about convenience—it’s about control. CBS Sports’ deal ensures they capture all digital advertising revenue and subscription growth. For fans, it means higher costs but better production quality and multi-angle views. However, it also means cord-cutters are the only ones truly served. Traditional cable bundles are losing relevance in soccer broadcasting.
Interestingly, the Spanish-language market remains robust. Univision Deportes keeps a strong foothold by airing many games on linear TV. This dual approach—streaming for English, linear for Spanish—reflects the diverse viewing habits in the U.S. Hispanic community. It’s a smart play that balances modern trends with traditional accessibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Champions League games for free in the US?
Not entirely. While some select matches may air on free-to-air CBS television, the vast majority of games are exclusive to Paramount+. New users can take advantage of a 7-day free trial on Paramount+ to watch initial matches without charge, but long-term viewing requires a paid subscription.
Who holds the broadcasting rights for Champions League in Europe?
Rights vary by country. In the UK, it's shared between Paramount+ and Prime Video. Germany uses DAZN, Amazon Prime, and ZDF. Italy splits coverage between Sky and Amazon Prime. France relies on Canal+ and Servus TV. Each nation has negotiated separate deals, leading to a fragmented landscape across the continent.
When are the 2025-26 Champions League semifinals?
The semifinal second legs are scheduled for May 5 and May 6, 2026. Arsenal plays Atlético Madrid on Tuesday, May 5, at 3:00 PM ET. Bayern Munich faces Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, May 6, also at 3:00 PM ET. Both matches are widely available across major platforms in their respective regions.
Where can Spanish-speaking fans watch Champions League in the US?
Spanish-language rights are held by Univision Deportes (TUDN) through the 2026-27 season. Many games are broadcast on linear television via Univision and TUDN networks, offering an alternative to the streaming-heavy English coverage provided by CBS and Paramount+.
Is the Champions League final free to watch?
In the United States, the final is available on CBS and Paramount+. While CBS is a free-to-air network, access depends on whether you have an antenna or cable package. In other countries, availability varies, with some nations offering free-to-air options and others requiring paid subscriptions.
