How to Watch UEFA Champions League 2026⁄27
The UEFA Champions League remains the most-watched club football competition on the planet, and the 2026⁄27 season continues the expanded 36-club league-phase format introduced in 2024⁄25. This guide covers every major broadcast market, typical costs, supported devices, and legal free-to-air options so you can find the best way to watch from wherever you are.
New to the format? Read our explainer on how the new 36-team Champions League works.
Where to Watch in the United Kingdom
In the UK, Champions League coverage is split between BBC One (free-to-air) and TNT Sports (subscription).
- BBC One holds rights to show a selection of matches free-to-air, including the final when it falls within their allocation. Coverage is also available via BBC iPlayer at no cost with a valid UK TV licence.
- TNT Sports (available through discovery+, BT, Sky, and Virgin Media) carries the bulk of the live match schedule, including the group/league phase, knockout rounds, and the final. TNT Sports is typically bundled into broadband or pay-TV packages; check your current provider for the most accurate monthly pricing, as standalone and bundled rates vary.
- discovery+ offers a streaming-only route to TNT Sports content without a traditional pay-TV contract.
Devices (UK): Smart TVs, web browsers, iOS and Android phones/tablets, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and Chromecast are all supported across BBC iPlayer and discovery+/TNT Sports apps.
Where to Watch in the United States
In the US, UEFA Champions League rights are held by CBS and Paramount+.
- CBS (free over-the-air and via cable/satellite) broadcasts a selection of high-profile matches, including the final, in English.
- Paramount+ is the primary streaming home for the full match slate. Spanish-language coverage is available through Univision and ViX.
- Paramount+ is available as a standalone subscription or bundled with other Paramount/Showtime services. Check Paramount+ directly for current tier pricing, as the platform offers both ad-supported and ad-free plans.
- Cord-cutters can access Paramount+ through its own app or via third-party streaming bundles that include it.
Devices (US): Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV/Google TV, iOS, Android, web browsers, Samsung and LG smart TVs, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Where to Watch in France
Canal+ holds Champions League broadcast rights in France. Canal+ is a subscription pay-TV and streaming service; its myCANAL app replicates the full live and on-demand offering for subscribers. Pricing varies by package tier — Canal+ typically bundles the Champions League within its main sports or premium packages, so check Canal+ directly for the latest offers.
Where to Watch in Germany
DAZN is the home of Champions League football in Germany. DAZN operates as a subscription streaming platform with no linear broadcast requirement. It supports a wide range of devices including smart TVs, iOS, Android, web browsers, and games consoles. DAZN typically offers monthly and annual subscription options; confirm current pricing on the DAZN Germany website.
Where to Watch in Italy
Sky Sport (part of Sky Italia) broadcasts Champions League matches in Italy. Sky Sport is available via satellite, cable, and through the NOW TV (NOW) streaming platform for those without a full Sky subscription. NOW offers flexible passes, typically at a lower entry cost than a full Sky package, making it a useful option for streaming-only viewers.
Where to Watch in Romania
In Romania, rights are shared between Prima Sport and Digi Sport.
- Prima Sport is available on cable/satellite and offers a streaming option via the Prima Play platform.
- Digi Sport is part of the Digi (RCS & RDS) cable and satellite ecosystem, also accessible via the Digi Online app for subscribers.
Both services typically require an active Romanian subscription. Check each provider for current package details.
Other Regions
- MENA: beIN Sports holds rights across much of the Middle East and North Africa.
- Australia: Paramount+ Australia has carried Champions League rights in recent cycles; verify for 2026⁄27 as rights can change.
- India & South Asia: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV have historically held rights for the region.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport (DStv) is the primary broadcaster.
- Latin America: HBO Max (Max) and ESPN have carried rights across multiple markets in the region.
Always confirm rights for your specific country via UEFA’s official broadcaster list, as rights deals are renegotiated periodically.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Options
- BBC One (UK): Genuinely free with a UK TV licence; typically shows the final and a small number of selected matches.
- CBS (US): Free over-the-air or via basic cable for matches CBS elects to broadcast in a given round.
- Free trials: Paramount+, DAZN, and discovery+ have historically offered free trials for new subscribers. Check each service’s current offer before committing to a paid plan.
- Public libraries and community screens: Some regions permit licensed public viewing, though this varies by locality.
Typical Pricing Tiers
Pricing across platforms generally falls into three categories:
- Free-to-air — No cost; limited match selection (BBC One, CBS broadcast).
- Streaming subscription (standalone) — Monthly or annual fee direct to the streaming platform (Paramount+, DAZN, discovery+, NOW). Prices vary significantly by market and tier; always check the provider’s website for current rates.
- Bundled pay-TV — Champions League included within a broader cable/satellite/broadband bundle (Sky, Canal+, Digi Sport). Generally the highest upfront cost but often the most comprehensive sports package.
Supported Devices and Apps
All major subscription services distribute their apps across the following device categories:
- Mobile: iOS (iPhone/iPad) and Android smartphones and tablets
- Smart TVs: Samsung Tizen, LG webOS, Android TV/Google TV, and select others
- Streaming sticks/boxes: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV
- Games consoles: PlayStation 4⁄5, Xbox One/Series X|S
- Web: Desktop and laptop browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge)
Offline download availability varies; confirm with individual providers.
Geo-Restrictions and VPN Notes
All licensed streams are geo-restricted to their contracted territory. Attempting to access a service from outside its licensed region using a VPN may violate the platform’s terms of service and can result in account suspension. DAZN, in particular, actively blocks VPN connections. The legal and compliant approach is to subscribe to the broadcaster holding rights in your country of residence.
FAQ
- Is the UEFA Champions League free to watch?
- A limited number of matches are available free-to-air depending on your country. In the UK, BBC One shows selected games including the final at no cost (TV licence required). In the US, CBS broadcasts certain matches over-the-air for free. The majority of the competition — particularly the full league-phase and knockout slate — requires a paid subscription such as TNT Sports/discovery+ (UK) or Paramount+ (US).
- What channel is the UEFA Champions League on in the UK?
- In the UK, Champions League matches are split between BBC One (free-to-air, selected matches) and TNT Sports (subscription, majority of fixtures). TNT Sports is accessible through discovery+, as well as via BT, Sky, and Virgin Media bundles. The final is typically shown on both BBC One and TNT Sports.
- Can I stream the UEFA Champions League without a cable subscription?
- Yes, in most major markets there is a cable-free streaming option. In the US, Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service with no cable requirement. In the UK, discovery+ provides access to TNT Sports content without a traditional pay-TV contract. In Germany, DAZN is streaming-only. Each service is available via app on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming devices.
- How much does it cost to watch the UEFA Champions League on Paramount+ in the US?
- Paramount+ offers both ad-supported and ad-free subscription tiers, and pricing can change. Check Paramount+'s official website for the most current monthly and annual rates. Paramount+ is also available as part of broader bundle deals with other streaming services, which may offer better value depending on your viewing habits.
- Where can I watch the UEFA Champions League if I live outside Europe or the US?
- Coverage varies by territory. In Australia, Paramount+ has historically carried rights. In India and South Asia, Sony Sports/SonyLIV has been the typical rights holder. Viewers in MENA can look to beIN Sports, while Sub-Saharan Africa is primarily served by SuperSport on DStv. Latin American viewers should check Max (HBO Max) and ESPN for their country. Always verify rights for your specific country via UEFA's official broadcaster directory, as deals are renegotiated periodically.
Related Coverage
Where to watch by country