The iconic anthem swells, the stars align on the center circle, and you’re ready for another magical night of UEFA Champions League football.
But for fans in the United States, the excitement can quickly turn to frustration. Why does it feel like you need a detective’s license just to figure out where to watch the world’s most prestigious club competition?
You’re not alone in this struggle about where to watch the champions league in the us. The maze of broadcasting rights, expensive subscriptions, and unreliable streams can make following your favorite team a real headache. This guide will cut through the noise and give you a clear, comprehensive playbook for watching every match, from the group stage to the final.
Why Hard to Watch the Champions League in the US?
The core of the issue lies in exclusive broadcasting rights. In the world of sports media, television networks pay enormous sums for the sole privilege of showing certain leagues and competitions in a specific region.
This has been the case for the Champions League in the US for decades, with the rights passing from ESPN in the early days to Fox Sports, a brief stint with Turner Sports, and now, to its current home.
Since 2020, CBS has held the exclusive English-language broadcasting rights for all UEFA club competitions in the United States, a deal now extending to 2030.
This means that to watch the games with English commentary, you have to go through their designated platform, which is primarily the streaming service Paramount+.
The Official Ways to Watch UEFA in the US
For those who want to stay within the official broadcast ecosystem, you have a few choices, each with its own price and focus.
The American market is fragmented, meaning you might need more than one service to get the full experience, especially if you enjoy commentary in different languages.
Here’s a breakdown of the primary legal streaming options available in the United States for the 2025/26 season:
| Service | Primary Language | Coverage | Monthly Price (USD) | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paramount+ | English | All 125 matches | $8.99 (with ads) / $13.99 (ad-free) | 7 days |
| TUDN/Univision | Spanish | Select matches | Varies (Cable/Streaming Bundle) | No |
| DAZN | Spanish | 38 matches | $19.99 | No |
| ViX Premium | Spanish | Select matches | $6.99 | No |
As you can see, Paramount+ is the most comprehensive option for English-speaking fans, offering every single match live and on-demand.
For Spanish-language commentary, a combination of cable services like TUDN and streaming platforms like ViX will be necessary.
Downsides to Official US UEFA Broadcasters
While paying for a service like Paramount+ seems like the most straightforward solution, many fans have found the experience to be less than perfect. Frustrated viewers regularly take to forums like Reddit to voice their complaints, and the issues often center on the streaming quality itself. During high-stakes matches, when millions are trying to tune in, users have reported significant problems.
“Anyone else having issues with paramount plus not loading the Arsenal Champions League match?” one fan complained during a recent broadcast. Another added, “Haven’t had Paramount Plus since last year. Signed back up for Champions League. Great to know that app is still a piece of s—.”
These are not isolated incidents. Reports of buffering, sudden error messages, and poor picture quality are common, creating a frustrating experience for those who have paid for a premium service.
When a crucial goal is scored, the last thing you want is a frozen screen.
How to Watch the Champions League in the US for Free?
This is where things get interesting.
While the US has a pay-to-watch model, many other countries have a different approach. Public broadcasters in several nations air select Champions League matches for free.
The catch? These streams are geo-blocked, meaning they are only accessible to people within that country’s borders. However, with the right tool, you can bypass these digital borders.
A Virtual Private Network, or VPN, is your key to unlocking these international streams. In simple terms, a VPN is like a virtual passport for your internet connection.
It allows you to connect to a server in another country, making it appear as if you are browsing from that location. By connecting to a server in a country with a free Champions League broadcaster, you can access their stream from anywhere in the world.
Where Are the Top Free International Streams?
Thanks to public broadcasting mandates and different rights agreements, several countries offer free, high-quality streams of Champions League matches. This is a fantastic alternative for fans who are tired of paying for unreliable services or who only want to watch specific games.
Here are some of the best countries to connect to with your VPN for free Champions League action:
- Ireland: RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Play often carry Tuesday and Wednesday matches.
- Spain: RTVE Play provides free coverage of select games.
- Brazil: SBT and CazéTV are known for their free broadcasts.
- Turkey: Tabii and TRT Spor offer free access to certain matches.
What Are the Top 3 VPNs for Streaming Sports?
Not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to streaming live sports. You need a service that offers fast speeds to avoid buffering, has reliable servers in the right countries, and is easy to use. Based on extensive testing for streaming performance, these are the top recommendations:
| VPN | Key Strengths | Server Network | Price (Approx. USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Fastest Speeds: Ideal for buffer-free HD streaming. | 8,900+ servers in 129 countries | ~$3.39/month |
| Surfshark | Best Value: Unlimited connections for all your devices. | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries | ~$2.19/month |
| ExpressVPN | User-Friendly: Simple apps and strong reliability. | Servers in 105 countries | ~$8.32/month |
NordVPN consistently comes out on top for streaming due to its exceptional speeds and vast server network, including numerous servers in Ireland, making it perfect for accessing RTÉ Player. Surfshark offers incredible value, allowing you to use one account on every device you own. ExpressVPN is a fantastic, albeit more premium, option known for its simplicity and reliability.
How Do I Use a VPN to Watch the Champions League?
Getting set up is surprisingly simple and only takes a few minutes. Once you have a VPN, you can watch free streams for years to come.
Here’s the simple three-step process:
- Get a VPN: Sign up for a reputable service like NordVPN and install its app on your device of choice (computer, phone, tablet, or even smart TV).
- Connect to a Server: Open the VPN app and connect to a server in a country with a free broadcaster. For example, select a server in Ireland.
- Start Streaming: Navigate to the broadcaster’s website, such as RTÉ Player, and you’ll find the live stream waiting for you. Sit back and enjoy the match!
What Is the Best Way to Watch?
Ultimately, the best way to watch the Champions League in the US depends on your priorities. If you want every single match in one place and are willing to pay for the convenience (and risk potential streaming issues), Paramount+ is your all-in-one solution.
However, if you value flexibility, affordability, and reliability, using a VPN like NordVPN to access free international broadcasts is an unbeatable strategy. It not only saves you money but also opens up a world of content beyond just the Champions League. Now you’re fully equipped for every matchday. Enjoy the beautiful game!
