Starting in the 2021/22 season, UEFA Champions League broadcasting rights shifted primarily to DAZN and Amazon, with DAZN airing most matches. Fans can use affordable VPNs to access international broadcasts. The 2024/25 season will feature a new league format with 36 teams and a playoff phase, replacing the traditional group stage. Key matches will be available on DAZN, while Amazon Prime will stream the Tuesday highlight. The final will be shared between DAZN and ZDF on May 31, 2025.
Broadcasting Changes in the UEFA Champions League
Starting from the 2021/22 season, the UEFA Champions League has seen a shift in its broadcasting landscape. Sky no longer holds the rights, which are now predominantly owned by DAZN and Amazon. DAZN takes the lead by airing the majority of the matches, while Amazon streams select games. Additionally, fans can catch the final on ZDF, and with the help of affordable VPN subscriptions, some matches are also accessible for free on foreign television channels.
Watching the Champions League 2024/25 with a VPN
If you’re eager to catch all the action, most matches are available on DAZN, except for the prime Tuesday clash, which is exclusively on Amazon Prime. DAZN’s Unlimited package now starts at €29.99 per month for an annual subscription, or you can opt for a monthly plan at €44.99. However, unlike Amazon Prime, DAZN has eliminated its trial options.
For budget-conscious fans, utilizing a VPN can significantly reduce costs. By subscribing to a VPN provider for as little as €2 per month, you can access matches broadcasted on international free-to-air channels. The official UEFA website provides a comprehensive list of channels where Champions League matches are aired, making it easier for fans to find their preferred viewing options.
For those looking to streamline their viewing experience, NordVPN is available from €3.59 per month, alongside other services like Surfshark or Cyberghost VPN.
In Germany, key matches featuring local teams, such as the game between Red Star Belgrade and VfB Stuttgart, will be aired on DAZN, with kick-off at the Red Star Stadium in Belgrade. Similarly, the clash between Dinamo Zagreb and Borussia Dortmund will also be available on DAZN, with kick-off at Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.
After two decades, Sky has ceased broadcasting UEFA Champions League matches, and now fans can primarily watch these exhilarating games on DAZN, which is set to air all 186 matches, except for one each week that is available on Amazon. The match shown on Amazon Prime on Tuesdays will be available for viewing as a highlights compilation the following day, with full replays accessible by Friday. The highly anticipated final in the 2024/25 season will be shared between DAZN and ZDF, scheduled for May 31, 2025, regardless of whether a German team competes.
In addition to the Champions League, DAZN offers an array of sports, including parts of the Bundesliga. The platform is expanding its offerings for the 2024/25 season, increasing its Bundesliga coverage from 40 to 106 matches. This means that Friday and Sunday Bundesliga games will be exclusively available on DAZN, with no broadcasts on free-to-air channels or other pay-TV networks.
Amazon Prime offers the Tuesday top match as part of its membership, which can be accessed at no extra cost for current Prime subscribers. New users can try a free 30-day trial, with membership options starting at €8.99 per month or €89.90 annually.
For fans keen on experiencing every Champions League match, a combination of DAZN and Amazon Prime subscriptions can be acquired for an annual total of at least €449.78. This package also includes access to various other sports broadcasts, such as the UEFA Women’s Champions League and leagues from Spain and the USA.
Due to the high cost of Champions League broadcasting rights, most matches will be pay-per-view. However, some games can be accessed through foreign free-to-air channels, such as Austria’s ServusTV, which provides summaries of the Champions League, Europa League, and Europa Conference League. To bypass geo-restrictions, VPN services like NordVPN or Cyberghost can be employed, allowing you to save significantly on viewing costs.
Exciting Changes in the Champions League Format
Starting from the 2024/25 season, the Champions League will introduce a fresh league format and playoff phase. The traditional group stage will be replaced by a unified league of 36 teams. Instead of facing just three opponents home and away, each team will now compete against eight different teams, resulting in a total of 144 matches during the preliminary rounds, an increase from 96.
At the conclusion of the league phase, the top eight teams will automatically qualify for the knockout stage, while teams ranked 9 to 16 will enter playoffs for the remaining spots. Teams ranked 25 to 36 will be eliminated without moving on to any other European competitions.
In the round of 16, the eight teams that qualified directly will clash with the winners from the playoff rounds. Notably, the entire knockout phase will be structured in advance, eliminating the need for traditional draws, and ensuring that teams from the same league may meet as early as the round of 16.
Mark your calendars for the upcoming Champions League match days and prepare for a thrilling season ahead!