How to watch sports on Paramount+: NFL, UFC, Champions League, March Madness and more

Paramount+ is a subscription streaming service that brings together live programming, on-demand shows, movies, news and sports in one platform. It is built around content from Paramount’s family of brands, including CBS, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Smithsonian Channel and Paramount Pictures.

For sports fans, Paramount+ is especially useful because it allows eligible subscribers to stream live events that air on CBS, along with select soccer, football, basketball, golf and combat sports coverage, depending on the event, plan and location. The service also includes sports news, highlights and analysis through channels such as CBS Sports HQ.

Beyond live sports, Paramount+ includes a deep entertainment library. Subscribers can watch original series, classic TV shows, movies, documentaries, kids programming and select live channels. Depending on the subscription plan, Paramount+ may also include access to SHOWTIME content, giving viewers an expanded library of premium shows, films and live programming.

Because live sports rights and local CBS availability can vary, the exact events available on Paramount+ may depend on your location and subscription tier. Still, the service is designed to give viewers a flexible way to stream live sports, breaking news and entertainment without needing a traditional cable package.

Paramount+ subscription plans, prices

Paramount+ offers two main subscription plans for U.S. customers: Paramount+ Essential and Paramount+ Premium. Both plans include access to thousands of shows and movies, live sports and Paramount+ originals, but there are important differences when it comes to ads, SHOWTIME content, downloads and live local CBS access.

Here is a breakdown of each Paramount+ plan:

Paramount+ Essential ($8.99 per month/$89.99 per year)

Paramount+ Essential is the lower-priced plan and works best for subscribers who want access to Paramount+ sports, shows and movies at the most affordable monthly or annual rate.

• Costs $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year, plus applicable taxes
• Includes more than 40,000 episodes and movies
• Includes live sports such as NFL on CBS games, UEFA Champions League matches and UFC events
• Includes access to Paramount+ originals and programming from brands such as CBS, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central and more
• Includes ads during streaming
• Does not include the full live local CBS station feed, outside of eligible live sports and events available through Paramount+

This plan is a strong fit for fans who want to stream Paramount+ live sports and on-demand entertainment while keeping the monthly cost lower.

Paramount+ Premium ($13.99 per month/$139.99 per year)

Paramount+ Premium is the higher-tier plan and includes everything in Essential, plus additional features for subscribers who want a larger content library and more flexibility.

• Costs $13.99 per month or $139.99 per year, plus applicable taxes
• Includes everything available with Paramount+ Essential
• Adds SHOWTIME shows and movies
• Allows subscribers to stream their local CBS station live, where available
• Includes downloads for supported shows and movies to watch offline
• Offers ad-free on-demand streaming, with some exceptions
• Live TV still includes commercials, and Paramount+ notes that some trailers, promotions or sponsorship messages may still appear before or after programming

This plan is the better option for subscribers who want SHOWTIME content, live local CBS access and fewer ads while streaming Paramount+ shows and movies.

For sports fans, the key difference is live CBS access. Both plans include major Paramount+ sports offerings such as NFL on CBS, UEFA Champions League and UFC, but Premium adds the ability to stream the local CBS station live, which can be helpful for watching additional CBS sports programming, local news and live events when available.

What channels are on Paramount+?

Paramount+ is not a traditional cable replacement with the same live channel lineup you would get from a TV provider. Instead, it brings together shows, movies, live sports, news and original programming from Paramount’s family of brands in one streaming service.

That means subscribers can browse content from several well-known TV networks and entertainment brands, while also getting access to Paramount+ originals, select live events and on-demand programming. Paramount+ lists brand hubs for CBS, SHOWTIME, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central and Smithsonian Channel.

Some of the major Paramount+ brands include:

• CBS: Live sports, news, primetime shows, reality TV and select local CBS programming, depending on plan and location.
• BET: Scripted series, reality shows, specials, documentaries and movies.
• Comedy Central: Comedy series, stand-up specials and late-night programming.
• MTV: Reality shows, music programming, documentaries and pop culture series.
• Nickelodeon: Kids shows, family programming and animated favorites.
• SHOWTIME: Premium series, movies, documentaries and specials, available with the Paramount+ Premium plan.
• Smithsonian Channel: Documentaries, history programming, science shows and nature-focused series.

For sports fans, CBS is the most important part of the Paramount+ lineup. Depending on the plan and local availability, subscribers can stream live CBS sports programming such as NFL on CBS games, college sports, golf and other live events. Paramount+ also has dedicated sports sections for properties such as UFC and UEFA Champions League.

Because Paramount+ content can vary by plan, device, location and live rights, fans should check the app or website for the most accurate list of available shows, movies, live channels and sporting events before signing up.

What sports are available to watch on Paramount+?

Paramount+ carries a mix of live sports, on-demand replays, highlights and sports programming for U.S. subscribers. The exact lineup can vary by season, event, local CBS market and subscription plan, but the service is a strong option for fans looking to stream football, college sports, soccer, combat sports, golf and rugby in one place.

Paramount+ lists live sports coverage that includes NFL and NCAA games, plus soccer from UEFA, NWSL, Concacaf, Serie A, AFC and AFA competitions. The service also offers 24/7 sports programming through CBS Sports HQ and soccer coverage through CBS Sports Golazo Network.

Football

• NFL on CBS games: Paramount+ streams live NFL games that air on a viewer’s local CBS station. Game availability depends on the NFL schedule and local market. Paramount+ says all NFL on CBS games airing on a local CBS station can be streamed live with a subscription to any plan.
• College football on CBS: Select college football games that air on CBS can stream on Paramount+ with the Premium plan. That can include CBS-carried Big Ten games, rivalry games, bowl games and other college football matchups depending on the season schedule.

Basketball

• College basketball on CBS: Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream live CBS college basketball games through their local CBS station feed. That includes select regular-season games and CBS-carried postseason coverage.
• NCAA men’s tournament games on CBS: During March Madness, Paramount+ streams the men’s NCAA Tournament games that air on CBS, but it does not carry every tournament game. Other games may air on separate Turner networks and streaming platforms.
• Select men’s and women’s college basketball coverage: CBS Sports has also carried conference tournament games tied to automatic bids for both the men’s and women’s NCAA tournaments, but availability on Paramount+ depends on the network, event and plan.

Golf

• PGA TOUR on CBS: Paramount+ Premium subscribers can stream PGA TOUR events when they air on CBS, including weekend coverage from select tournaments throughout the season.
• The Masters: Paramount+ carries Masters coverage, including live CBS weekend broadcasts for Premium subscribers and select Masters Live feeds for all subscribers.
• PGA Championship: CBS Sports coverage of the PGA Championship can stream on Paramount+ with the Premium plan when it airs on CBS.

Combat sports

• UFC: UFC is now part of Paramount+’s live sports lineup in the U.S. Under the current rights deal, Paramount+ became the exclusive U.S. streaming home for UFC events beginning in 2026, with select events also airing on CBS.
• Zuffa Boxing: Paramount+ also carries Zuffa Boxing, with 12 numbered events planned for 2026 and the possibility of select events airing on CBS or other Paramount platforms.

Soccer

• UEFA Champions League: Paramount+ streams every UEFA Champions League match live and on demand for U.S. subscribers.
• UEFA Europa League: Paramount+ streams every Europa League match live, with replays, highlights and on-demand coverage also available.
• UEFA Conference League: Paramount+ also carries UEFA Conference League matches live.
• UEFA Women’s Champions League: CBS Sports secured U.S. rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League through the 2029-30 season, with matches streaming on Paramount+.
• Serie A: Paramount+ streams Italy’s Serie A, including live matches and full-match replays.
• NWSL: Select NWSL matches that air on CBS stream on Paramount+ with the Premium plan, including the 2026 NWSL Championship.
• EFL and Carabao Cup: Paramount+ carries English Football League coverage, including select EFL and Carabao Cup matches.
• Concacaf, AFC and AFA soccer: Paramount+ also lists coverage from Concacaf, AFC and AFA competitions as part of its soccer offering.

Rugby

• World Rugby: Paramount+ is now a U.S. home for World Rugby events through 2029. Coverage includes Rugby World Cup matches, USA national team matches, HSBC SVNS, WXV, Pacific Nations Cup, Pacific Four Series and other World Rugby competitions.

Because live sports rights can change and some events require the Premium plan, fans should check the Paramount+ app or website before signing up to confirm which games, matches or tournaments are available in their area.

Does Paramount+ have a free trial?

Paramount+ does not currently advertise a standard free trial for U.S. customers. The service lists paid subscription options starting at $8.99 per month, with customers able to choose between monthly and annual plans.

That said, Paramount+ offers and promotions can change throughout the year, especially around major sports events, new releases or seasonal sales. Before signing up, new customers should check the Paramount+ website to see whether any limited-time trial, discount or promotional offer is available.

Paramount+ does offer a student discount for eligible U.S. customers. Students can verify their status to receive 50 percent off any Paramount+ plan for the first 12 months. Paramount+ notes that annual student verification is required, and after the first year, the subscription will automatically renew at the regular price unless it is canceled.

Here’s what you should know:

• No standard free trial is currently listed on the main U.S. Paramount+ sign-up page.
• Promotional offers may change, so it is worth checking the sign-up page before subscribing.
• Student discounts are available for eligible U.S. students.
• The student discount applies for the first 12 months and requires verification.
• After the discount period ends, the plan renews at the regular price unless canceled.

For most users, the best way to save on Paramount+ is to compare the monthly and annual plans, check for any current promotions and see whether they qualify for the student discount before completing sign-up.

How do I sign up for Paramount+?

Signing up for Paramount+ only takes a few minutes, but it is worth reviewing the available plans before creating an account. The right option may depend on whether you want the lowest monthly price, live local CBS access, SHOWTIME content, fewer ads or the ability to download shows and movies for offline viewing.

Here’s how to sign up for Paramount+:

1. Go to the Paramount+ website or open the Paramount+ app.
   You can start the sign-up process from a web browser, mobile device, smart TV or supported streaming device.
2. Choose your preferred Paramount+ plan.
   Select the subscription option that best fits your viewing needs. Paramount+ typically offers a lower-priced Essential plan and a higher-tier Premium plan with added features.
3. Review the plan details before continuing.
   Check the monthly or annual price, ad experience, live CBS access, SHOWTIME availability and any current offers before moving forward.
4. Create your Paramount+ account.
   Enter the required information, which may include your full name, email address, password and home ZIP code. Your ZIP code helps determine local availability for CBS programming and live sports.
5. Enter your payment information.
   Add a valid payment method to complete your subscription. Depending on how you sign up, you may be able to pay by credit card, debit card, PayPal or another supported payment option.
6. Confirm your subscription.
   Review your order one final time, including the plan, billing cycle and renewal terms, then submit your payment details.
7. Start streaming Paramount+ content.
   Once your account is active, you can log in and watch available live sports, shows, movies, originals, news, replays and on-demand programming included with your plan.

Paramount+ pros and cons

Paramount+ can be a strong streaming option for fans who want a mix of live sports, on-demand shows, movies and original programming at a lower price than many larger live TV streaming services. As with any platform, the best choice depends on what you watch most often and which sports or channels matter most to you.

Pros

• Strong value for the price: Paramount+ offers a useful mix of live sports and entertainment at a relatively affordable monthly or annual cost, especially compared to many cable-style streaming bundles.
• Helpful sports lineup: Subscribers can stream a variety of live sports, including NFL on CBS games, college sports, soccer, golf, UFC and more, depending on the event, plan and local availability.
• Great soccer coverage: Paramount+ is especially useful for soccer fans, with access to UEFA Champions League, Europa League, Serie A and other competitions.
• Entertainment library adds value: In addition to sports, subscribers get access to movies, original series, CBS shows, kids programming, reality TV, documentaries and more.
• Premium plan includes extra features: Paramount+ Premium adds SHOWTIME content, live local CBS access, downloads for supported titles and fewer ads on on-demand programming.

Cons

• Not a full cable replacement for every sports fan: Paramount+ has a strong sports lineup, but it does not include every major sports network. Fans looking for ESPN, TBS, TNT, ABC or regional sports networks may still need another service.
• Some live sports depend on location and plan: Certain events, especially live CBS programming, may depend on your local market and whether you have the Essential or Premium plan.
• Ads vary by plan: The Essential plan includes ads, while the Premium plan removes most on-demand ads but still includes commercials during live TV and select programming.
• Best value depends on viewing habits: Paramount+ is a strong fit for fans who watch CBS sports, soccer, UFC and Paramount entertainment, but fans focused only on one league may want to compare the schedule before subscribing.