CBS and Paramount+ have made a significant move by securing the exclusive US broadcast rights to the Uefa Women’s Champions League (UWCL) until the end of the 2029/30 season. This deal solidifies CBS as the go-to platform for both men’s and women’s European soccer in the United States, setting the stage for an exciting decade ahead.
“The Uefa Women’s Champions League with its world-class players and elite clubs adds tremendous value to CBS Sports’ premium soccer portfolio,”
expressed Dan Weinberg, CBS Sports’ executive vice president of programming. This bold step further establishes Paramount+ as a premier destination for passionate soccer fans across America.
With this new agreement, all 75 matches from the UWCL will be available on Paramount+, offering fans an immersive viewing experience. Selected games will also be broadcast on CBS Sports Network pay-TV service and CBS Sports Golazo free ad-supported television channel, ensuring broad access to this prestigious competition.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect as next season, the UWCL is set to introduce a revamped format aimed at enhancing competition among top European clubs. A new 18-team league phase promises more engaging matches that are bound to capture viewers’ attention and elevate the tournament’s overall appeal.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, co-managing director of UC3, which is a joint venture between Uefa and the European Club Association (ECA), shared his excitement about expanding their partnership with CBS Sports. He emphasized how crucial it is for American audiences to witness the highest level of women’s club football through dynamic coverage over the upcoming seasons.
Transitioning from DAZN, which had held global rights to UWCL since 2021/22 in a groundbreaking four-year deal featuring some free-to-air coverage along with YouTube streaming options; CBS now steps into this pivotal role of broadcasting elite women’s soccer competitions in America.
SportsPro mentions that CBS and Paramount+ have built a strong reputation for their coverage of men’s Champions League matches, contributing significantly to growing interest in European soccer throughout the US. Soccer plays a vital role in Paramount+’s sports strategy, aligning well with CBS’ ownership of various other leagues like NWSL, Serie A, EFL Championship, SPFL, US Open Cup & USL – providing diverse content for soccer enthusiasts.
As per expert analysis from SportsPro:
“The ability of CBS to provide wide reach & quality programming directly resonates with engaged soccer fans,”
making it an appealing choice for Uefa amid shifting broadcasting landscapes. While DAZN brought valuable exposure and enhanced centralized coverage during its tenure with UWCL; monetization challenges led to reevaluation prompting Uefa’s decision towards partnering with seasoned broadcasters like CBS.
In conclusion, this collaboration marks not only a milestone for women’s football but signals an exciting era ahead where fans can look forward to enjoying top-tier European soccer action conveniently through these prominent platforms.
