Paramount to Broadcast Champions League in UK from 2027

Paramount has secured an historic media rights victory to broadcast Uefa Champions League matches in the United Kingdom from 2027, marking a watershed moment in the UK sports broadcasting landscape. Paramount, the US media conglomerate owned by the Ellison family, has obtained a four-year deal that will see the majority of Champions League fixtures transferred from current rights holder TNT Sports to Paramount.

The company’s acquisition follows a highly competitive auction process, during which Paramount paid a significant premium for exclusive rights. Sources close to the negotiations described Paramount’s offer as a knockout bid, significantly outbidding rivals such as TNT Sports, DAZN, Disney, and Netflix. European football clubs had aimed to secure at least 5 billion euros annually from the latest rights package, an increase of 10 percent compared to the previous cycle, which had been valued at approximately 2.9 billion pounds per year.

Paramount intends to broadcast most matches on its streaming platform, Paramount Plus, which was launched in the UK in 2024. There is also the potential for select games or highlights to be shown on Channel 5, its UK free to air channel. Paramount’s win aligns with its ongoing expansion in global sports and entertainment rights, having recently secured an extensive Ultimate Fighting Championship contract in the United States and investing in prominent entertainment properties such as South Park.

In addition to Champions League coverage in the UK, Paramount has extended its rights to Germany, expanding its continental reach. Meanwhile, Amazon is believed to have retained first pick rights for Tuesday fixtures. Paramount’s bid surprised many competitors due to its scale and aggressiveness, signalling its intent to become a dominant force in European sports streaming.

In the United States, Paramount’s CBS has successfully established a high-profile Champions League broadcast team and live show, which may serve as a blueprint for the UK audience. Paramount executives believe this new expansion will drive both advertising and subscriber growth, positioning the company for a strong financial return.

TNT Sports, recently rebranded and co-owned by Warner Bros Discovery and BT, will relinquish its Champions League rights in 2027; however, it maintains a strong domestic sports portfolio, including Premier League and FA Cup coverage. The outcome highlights a shifting landscape as international media giants prioritise streaming platforms to secure premium content and grow their audience base across Europe.

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