Is the Champions League on YouTube TV? The Expert Rundown

Yes, the Champions League is on YouTube TV, but there’s a bit more to the story than a simple yes or no. The availability hinges on the channels that carry the matches, and that’s where things get interesting. Let’s delve into the specifics.

Understanding Champions League Broadcasting Rights

Champions League broadcasting rights are coveted properties, divvied up region by region. In the United States, CBS holds the primary broadcast rights. That means you’ll primarily find Champions League matches airing on CBS, CBS Sports Network (CBSN), and being streamed on Paramount+. This is crucial because YouTube TV doesn’t directly broadcast the Champions League; it acts as a portal to channels that do.

YouTube TV: Your Gateway to Champions League Action

Think of YouTube TV as a digital cable subscription. It offers a package of channels that you can stream live. The good news is that YouTube TV does include CBS and CBS Sports Network in its base package. This is how you access Champions League games. So, while YouTube TV doesn’t technically “have” the Champions League, it provides access to the channels that broadcast it.

However, it’s essential to confirm that CBS and CBS Sports Network are available in your specific local market through YouTube TV. While these channels are generally widespread, local affiliate agreements can sometimes vary. Check the YouTube TV channel lineup for your area before committing to a subscription solely for Champions League viewing.

The Paramount+ Factor: An Important Consideration

While YouTube TV grants access to some games via CBS and CBS Sports Network, Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home for every single Champions League match in the US. That means if you want to catch every group stage game, every knockout round match, and every final moment, you’ll need a Paramount+ subscription in addition to, or instead of, YouTube TV. Paramount+ typically offers affordable subscription options, often lower in price than the base YouTube TV package.

Essentially, YouTube TV provides a partial solution for watching Champions League games, while Paramount+ offers the complete package. The best approach depends on your viewing habits: are you a casual fan who only wants to watch the occasional marquee match, or a die-hard supporter who needs to see it all?

Maximizing Your Champions League Viewing on YouTube TV

Even with the Paramount+ option in mind, you can still get great value from watching Champions League on YouTube TV. Take advantage of features like DVR recording to catch games you might miss live. The unlimited DVR storage is a huge advantage. This allows you to record matches while you’re at work or busy, and then watch them later at your convenience. Furthermore, YouTube TV offers great flexibility with streaming across multiple devices, including TVs, phones, tablets, and computers.

Champions League on YouTube TV: A Summary

To recap:

• Champions League games air on CBS and CBS Sports Network in the US.
• YouTube TV includes CBS and CBS Sports Network in its base package (check local availability).
• Therefore, the Champions League is partially available on YouTube TV.
• Paramount+ is the exclusive streaming home for all Champions League matches.

Choose the option that best fits your viewing needs and budget. Now, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the availability of the Champions League on YouTube TV, with comprehensive answers.

1. Can I watch every Champions League game on YouTube TV?

No. While YouTube TV offers access to CBS and CBS Sports Network, which broadcast some Champions League matches, Paramount+ holds the exclusive streaming rights to every game. Therefore, YouTube TV only provides partial coverage.

2. Do I need a special YouTube TV add-on to watch Champions League games?

No. As long as your YouTube TV base package includes CBS and CBS Sports Network in your local area, you don’t need any additional add-ons to watch the games that are broadcast on those channels.

3. Is YouTube TV cheaper than Paramount+ for watching the Champions League?

It depends on how much of the Champions League you want to watch. Paramount+ is generally cheaper than YouTube TV, but it only offers streaming content. YouTube TV provides a broader range of channels beyond sports. If you only care about the Champions League and a few other events streaming on Paramount+, the latter is more cost-effective.

4. Can I record Champions League games on YouTube TV?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of YouTube TV is its unlimited DVR storage. You can record any Champions League game that airs on CBS or CBS Sports Network and watch it later at your convenience.

5. What happens if a Champions League game is not on CBS or CBS Sports Network?

If a game isn’t broadcast on CBS or CBS Sports Network, you won’t be able to watch it on YouTube TV. You would need a Paramount+ subscription to access those games.

6. Does YouTube TV offer a free trial to watch Champions League games?

YouTube TV periodically offers free trials. It’s best to check their website directly to see if a free trial is currently available and to confirm that CBS and CBS Sports Network are included in the trial package in your area.

7. Can I watch Champions League games in 4K on YouTube TV?

Currently, YouTube TV doesn’t consistently offer Champions League games in 4K resolution, even though the platform can support 4k streaming. This is dependent on whether CBS or CBS Sports Network provides a 4K feed, which is rare for sports content.

8. Is it possible to share my YouTube TV account with family to watch Champions League games?

Yes. YouTube TV allows you to create up to six accounts per household, and you can stream on three devices simultaneously. This means multiple family members can watch different Champions League games (or other content) at the same time.

9. How can I find the Champions League schedule on YouTube TV?

The Champions League schedule will appear in the YouTube TV guide once the matches are scheduled on CBS and CBS Sports Network. You can also check the official CBS Sports website or app for a comprehensive schedule.

10. What other sports channels does YouTube TV offer besides CBS and CBS Sports Network?

YouTube TV offers a wide variety of sports channels, including ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, NBC Sports Network (though this has been discontinued), regional sports networks (RSNs), and more. The exact channel lineup depends on your location.

11. If I travel, can I still watch Champions League games on YouTube TV?

YouTube TV allows you to access local channels based on your current location. However, you might not be able to access your home market’s channels if you travel extensively. Ensure CBS and CBS Sports Network are available in your travel location.

12. Is there a way to get Champions League games through a YouTube TV add-on that I don’t know about?

Currently, there is no specific YouTube TV add-on that provides access to all Champions League games. The primary method is through the inclusion of CBS and CBS Sports Network in the base package, with Paramount+ remaining the exclusive streaming option for full coverage.