Paramount+ Secures Champions League Rights in U.K. and Germany

London, U.K. — Paramount+ has secured the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Champions League in the United Kingdom and Germany, starting in 2027 through 2031. The deal, confirmed by multiple media sources, is said to exceed the £1 billion that TNT Sports currently pays for the same rights.

This announcement comes as Paramount continues to expand its sports portfolio. With the existing rights to the Champions League in the United States, the company has shown a commitment to soccer and other major sports. They have previously collaborated with UEFA on film projects that showcased Champions League highlights during the past seasons.

While Paramount takes over the majority of Champions League coverage, Amazon Prime Video will retain the first pick of Tuesday matches in the U.K. for the same duration. This arrangement marks a shift in how soccer fans can access these matches, as previously held by TNT Sports.

The deal reflects a competitive bidding process among several companies, including Paramount, Netflix, and Comcast, all expressing interest in acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount is notably the only company seeking to purchase the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, rather than a specific division.

Paramount has made ambitious moves in the sports domain before, including a reported $7.7 billion deal for UFC rights, illustrating their aggressive approach to gaining a foothold in premium sports broadcasting.

The Champions League auction was managed by UC3, a collaboration between UEFA and the European Clubs Association, alongside Relevent Football Partners. This partnership aims to increase revenue significantly over the coming years, with a target of €6.5 billion ($7 billion) by 2031.

Despite Paramount’s bold initiatives, TNT Sports will continue to show other sporting events, though they now face challenges in maintaining high-profile content. Paramount declined to comment on this new acquisition, indicating ongoing strategic developments.