To many, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) is the absolute pinnacle of club soccer. It’s where the best teams in Europe battle it out for continental domination, culminating in a championship match that’s a bigger global TV event than the Super Bowl.
For U.S. fans, English-language coverage is refreshingly simple. Paramount+ is the exclusive home for complete English-language coverage, plus all Europa League and Conference League matches. Meanwhile, Spanish-language broadcasts are now split between TelevisaUnivision platforms (like TUDN and ViX) and the streaming service DAZN.
But what does that all mean for your wallet and your TV setup? To help you get ready for the next match day, I’ve outlined every way to watch the Champions League in the U.S. I’ve even included some free (and totally legal) viewing options.
What channel is the Champions League on?
In the U.S., you can watch every UEFA Champions League game live on Paramount+. Select marquee matchups also air on CBS and CBS Sports Network.
Unfortunately, the Spanish-language U.S. broadcast rights are still broken up between TelevisaUnivision and DAZN this season. To guarantee access to every game, you’ll need subscriptions to both ViX Premium and DAZN. Traditional channels like TUDN, UniMás, Univision, and Galavisión also show some UCL matches en Español.
UEFA Champions League schedule
The UEFA Champions League operates on a long, wraparound schedule, beginning with qualifying in the summer and ending with the final the following spring. But matches typically don’t air on TV in the U.S. until the league phase starts in September.
UEFA’s “Swiss model” replaced the traditional group stage with a single 36-team league phase. This season, it runs from September 8, 2026, through January 27, 2027. The knockout rounds begin in February, with the Champions League Final set for June 5 at Estadio Metropolitano in Madrid.
- League phase: Sept. 8-10; Oct. 13-14; Oct. 20-21; Nov. 3-4; Nov. 24-25; Dec. 8-9, 2026; Jan. 19-20; Jan. 27, 2027
- Knockout phase playoffs: Feb. 16-17 and 23-24, 2027
- Round of 16: March 9-10 and 16-17, 2027
- Quarterfinals: April 6-7 and 13-14, 2027
- Semifinals: April 27-28 and May 4-5, 2027
- Champions League Final: June 5, 2027
Best ways to watch the Champions League
- Editor’s Choice: Paramount+ ($8.99–$13.99/mo.)
- Cheapest en Español: ViX ($5.99–$8.99/mo.)
- Best Live TV Service: Hulu + Live TV ($88.99–$99.99/mo.)
Editor’s Choice: Paramount+
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Every UCL match this season (in English)
- Inexpensive pricing
- Multiview feature for UEFA events
Cons
- Small lineup of originals
- No CBS Sports Network access
While Paramount+ is known for its on-demand library, it has also become an essential service for soccer fans like me. After all, it’s home to every UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League match. On top of that, you also get domestic league coverage from the English Football League, NWSL, and Serie A, making it a powerhouse for global soccer.
What I love most is the value. Paramount+ is one of the most affordable streaming services out there, and every plan gets you the same great soccer coverage. You also get thousands of hit TV shows and movies, so there’s plenty to watch when your favorite teams aren’t competing.
For those looking for an even more robust experience, I recommend upgrading to the Paramount+ Premium plan. It gives you all the same great soccer, plus ad-free on-demand content and access to the entire SHOWTIME library. The biggest perk, though, is the inclusion of a 24/7 live feed of your local CBS station, which is a must-have for any college football or basketball fan.
Cheapest en Español: ViX
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Inexpensive pricing
- Extensive movie and TV show library
Cons
- Only select Champions League matches
- Clunky interface
For Spanish-speaking fans, my top recommendation for value is ViX. It’s important to know that TelevisaUnivision now sublicenses its Champions League rights to the more expensive DAZN streaming service. That means you’ll need ViX and DAZN for complete Spanish-language coverage this season. But for a fraction of the cost, ViX is still the most budget-friendly streaming option.
One of my favorite features of ViX is its free content. I recommend checking out the Deportes tab for the free Zona TUDN channel, which features soccer programming and may carry select live UCL matches and studio coverage.
To get the majority of the UCL matches on the platform, you’ll need a ViX Premium subscription. Those plans cost only $5.99 a month with ads or $8.99 a month without ads, and you can cancel anytime. A subscription also gets you a ton of other soccer matches from competitions like the Europa League, Liga MX, and the Leagues Cup.
Best Live TV Service: Hulu + Live TV
Data effective as of post date. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Pros
- Large channel lineup
- ESPN Select and Disney+ included
Cons
- Limited UCL coverage included
- Expensive plans with frequent price hikes
If you’re a devoted fútbol fan who wants a broad live TV package for European soccer, my top recommendation is Hulu + Live TV. While you won’t get every Champions League match in its base plans, its traditional channels (like CBS Sports Network, ESPN, and USA Network) will get you key UCL matchups and other soccer competitions.
What takes Hulu + Live TV up a notch is the fantastic value of the included Disney Bundle. It gives you access to ESPN Select and its ESPN+ content alongside those key sports networks. While ESPN Select doesn’t add more Champions League coverage, it does unlock every La Liga match — a massive win for fans of Spanish soccer clubs.
To complete your Champions League coverage, you’ll still need the live games exclusive to Paramount+. Fortunately, you can add Paramount+ as a direct add-on through your Hulu account, which is great for streamlining your billing.
How to watch the Champions League for free
There are a few ways to get UEFA Champions League coverage for free. CBS Sports Golazo Network offers free Champions League studio coverage and highlights on platforms like Pluto TV, while ViX also offers free soccer programming through channels like Zona TUDN. Live match availability can vary throughout the season.
Another free viewing option is to use an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to pick up your local CBS or Univision station. While CBS doesn’t broadcast many UCL games, you still get crucial matchups — including the Champions League Final.
To determine if a CBS station is within range of your home, use Antennas Direct’s Transmitter Locator by entering your zip code. Then, head to our Best OTA Antennas page to find an indoor or outdoor antenna suitable for your TV setup. I often recommend the Mohu Leaf 50, as its 60-mile range and amplifier technology are ideal for those in suburban areas.
How to watch the Champions League FAQ
Can I stream the Champions League?
Yes, every UEFA Champions League match is available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+ in the U.S. You can also stream games on ViX and DAZN, plus any live TV streaming service offering Champions League channels like CBS, CBS Sports Network, TUDN, UniMás, and Univision.
Is the Champions League only on Paramount+?
No, you can watch some UEFA Champions League matches on traditional channels like CBS and CBS Sports Network. DAZN and ViX also host Champions League coverage, as do Spanish-language networks TUDN, Galavisión, UniMás, and Univision.
Is the UEFA Champions League on Amazon Prime?
Yes, you can stream every UEFA Champions League game on Amazon Prime Video with the Paramount+ channel add-on. ViX Premium is also available as an add-on subscription, as outlined in our Prime Video Channels guide.
Can I watch Champions League matches at a bar or restaurant?
Yes, fans can look for a dedicated soccer pub and call ahead to confirm it's showing UCL matches. Bar and restaurant owners, however, need a commercial TV subscription, such as DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS, because residential Paramount+ accounts can't be used for public viewing.
How can I watch the Women’s Champions League?
Now through the 2029-2030 season, you can stream every game in the UEFA Women's Champions League on Paramount+. Coverage starts each season with the league phase, and select matches also air on CBS Sports Network and the free CBS Sports Golazo Network.
Which teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League?
Teams qualify for the UEFA Champions League based on their performance in their respective domestic leagues. Champions League and Europa League defending champions qualify for the league phase, as do the winners of the top 10 soccer associations in Europe based on UEFA country coefficients.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Sports Editor, Taylor Kujawa, has been an avid fan of the UEFA Champions League for over a decade. He’s followed the competition across multiple broadcasters and has spent countless hours watching coverage since its move to CBS Sports in 2020.
For this guide, Taylor combined that firsthand experience with an in-depth analysis of every TV provider to find the most effective and affordable ways to tune in. He researched every channel and streaming platform and stays up to date with the match schedule to make sure his recommendations are accurate and reliable.
Check out our Editorial Policy page to learn more about our methods.
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