As a TV services expert who has streamed numerous Champions League matches, I know the excitement and anticipation that comes with these high-stakes games. The 2024 final will be held on June 1st at the legendary Wembley Stadium—the home of English football.
Last season's final, featuring Manchester City and Inter Milan, was a testament to the event's global appeal, with 450 million anticipated viewers worldwide for this year's Champions League. The defending champions, Manchester City, are the favorites this season. But record holders Real Madrid and German powerhouses Bayern Munich will put up a fight.
If you want to join the huge community of UCL fans—you've come to the right place. We'll look at video quality, cost, device availability, and special features so you don't miss a single goal.
UEFA Champions League Schedule
The UCL competition spans nearly an entire year, kicking off in late June and ending in early June the following year. However, the group stage does not begin until September. From there, the knockout rounds take place on the following dates for the 2023-2024 season. Check out the official schedule breakdown:
- The Round of 16 commences in mid-February 2024, with the first legs on the 13th-14th and 20th-21st. The second legs come in early March, on the 5th-6th and 12th-13th.
- The quarterfinals arrive in early April, with the opening legs on the 9th-10th and the returns on the 16th-17th.
- The semis follow two weeks later, with the first legs on April 30th-May 1st and the comebacks on May 7th-8th.
- The Champions League Final will crown the season's European champion on June 1st, 2024.
Our 5 Best Champions League Streaming Platforms at a Glance:
Paramount+: The best way to stream the Champions League overall
fuboTV: Best for sports-focused content
Hulu + Live TV: Best for combined sports, on-demand, and live TV package
YouTube TV: Best for hosting virtual watch parties
DIRECTV Stream: Best for an extensive content library
1. Paramount+
Cost - $5.99/month (For the standard package, which streams UCL games)
Paramount+ streams every Champions League game live on its standard package for $5.99/month. Even though this plan doesn't have CBS, all matches will run on separate feeds. You can access the local, live CBS station if you subscribe to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan ($11.99/month).
Its "Live Time Shifting" feature lets you pause, rewind, and fast-forward live matches, ensuring you never miss a beat. This functionality is supported on the web, iPhone/iPad, Apple TV, Android mobile, Android TV, Fire TV, and Roku. You can also stream select shows in 4K on their Premium plan.
Why we chose Paramount+ for streaming the Champions League:
- Exclusive UCL content with live goal updates, match highlights, and interviews
- Split-screen option to watch multiple matches
- Seven-day free trial
» Find out why soccer is such a popular sport.
2. fuboTV
Cost - $74.99/month (For the Pro package with CBS Access)
Special offers - Seven-day free trial and a 25% discount for college students on the Essential plan
Be part of the cord-cutter movement and watch the Champions League live on fuboTV. The platform streams over 200 channels, including TUDN and CBS Sports, for Spanish and English coverage of the Champions League.
Opt for the Pro package ($74.99/month) to access CBS and leading leagues like Premier League, Serie A, and Bundesliga. fuboTV allows 4K viewing in its Elite and Premium plans.
Why we chose fuboTV for streaming the Champions League:
- Expert commentary on both English and Spanish matches
- Multiple profiles to separate saved games and recordings by user
- Simultaneous streaming on up to 10 devices
3. Hulu + Live TV
Cost - $76.99/month (For the standard package with TNT access)
Special offers - $49.99 for the first three months
Hulu + Live TV broadcasts the UEFA Champions League on TNT, and you only need the base package at $76.99/month. This plan includes Hulu (with ads), Disney+ (with ads), ESPN+ (with ads), and live sports. You can watch Premier League games live on NBCSN and local Major League Soccer on ESPN for additional soccer viewing.
Don't let inconvenient match times prevent you from watching your favorite teams. Hulu + Live TV offers an unlimited DVR, allowing you to record games airing at odd hours. Then, you can watch replays on your schedule over the next nine months.
Why we chose Hulu + Live TV for streaming the Champions League:
- Multi-view option to watch four matches live at once
- Flexible cancellation policy
- Expansive library of TV shows, movies, and Hulu original series
» Are you on a budget? Learn why you should bundle your TV services.
4. YouTube TV
Cost - $72.99/month (For the base package with CBS access)
Special offers - Seven-day free trial
You can experience the Champions League in a whole new way with YouTube TV's innovative sports features. "Key Plays" gives you on-demand highlights to get caught up fast, while the "Stats" view overlays real-time analytics. Stream the action in crisp 4K with an upgrade to the Plus package.
YouTube TV carries CBS alongside over 100 popular channels to access Champions League matches. It allows up to six accounts per household and three simultaneous streams, providing all you need for virtual watch parties with friends. An unlimited DVR lets you record full replays if you ever have to miss the live action.
Why we chose YouTube TV for streaming the Champions League:
- Customizable alerts to stay updated on favorite clubs and players
- Exclusive Champions League programs like UCL Tonight and UCL Weekly
- Innovative real-time metrics on matches
5. DIRECTV Stream
Cost - $119.99/month (For ULTIMATE package with CBS and CBS Sports Network access)
Special offers - VISA Reward Card worth up to $400 when you sign up
With DIRECTV Stream, you can enjoy a crisp, high-quality picture with up to 4K resolution, depending on your device. The service offers access to over 65,000 on-demand titles beyond live sports so that the whole family can find entertainment.
The ULTIMATE package features CBS and CBS Sports Network live-streaming UEFA games throughout the tournament. Take advantage of the five-day free trial to check out a big matchup risk-free.
Why we chose DIRECTV Stream for streaming the Champions League:
- Cloud DVR to record matches
- Multi-angle and look-in capabilities during select UCL matches
- Register 20 devices and stream on three
How to Make the Most of Your UCL Experience
Use a VPN to Watch the Champions League From Outside the US
If you live somewhere with limited access to Champions League matches, a VPN is the best way to unlock streaming from anywhere. A VPN is easy to use—download, install, and connect to a streaming service showing the matches.
I suggest researching VPNs rather than choosing a cheap one. Besides allowing you to bypass regional restrictions, VPN services add an extra layer of security while you browse and stream.
Make Sure Your Internet and Bandwidth Is Optimized
Test your internet speed for smooth Champions League streaming, and aim for at least 25 Mbps. You can use your preferred online speed test. Remember to close background apps using bandwidth during the match. Place your router in a central spot to spread WiFi evenly and avoid interference.
This way, you'll never miss a late game-winning goal like the one Nico Paz scored in the Real Madrid vs. Napoli match.
Double-check for CBS Access
Before the Champions League begins, verify that your streaming service carries CBS in your area. Some services lack access to CBS, and local channel availability varies by region.
You can easily check by entering your zip code on the streaming provider's website. This will confirm whether CBS is offered in your location and what channel number to use.
Host a UCL Viewing Party
You'll need a few essentials to host a successful watch party. Encourage guests to don team jerseys or colors to get into the spirit. Prepare snacks that correspond with your favorite team's local foods.
Have halftime trivia ready about players and teams to test their soccer IQ. With good company and interactive elements, your living room will transform into a roaring sports bar.
Kick-off Your Champions League Viewing Experience
With more sports streaming services offering the UEFA Champions League than ever before, you have several excellent options to catch all the exciting soccer action. Before committing, I advise you to test out free trials to experience unique viewing features.
Whether you're looking for comprehensive coverage or budget-friendly access—finding the streaming platform that meets your needs is the final piece. Now, you can sit back, relax, and check out incredible saves in penalty kicks.
» Still hooked on cable? Here's why TV streaming is worth it.
