In an exciting development for sports fans, CBS Network has added two UEFA Champions League quarterfinal games to its broadcast schedule. These games will be available on over-the-air TV next week, in addition to their regular streaming on Paramount+.
The two games that have been moved to the big CBS are Barcelona versus PSG and Manchester City hosting Real Madrid. These matches are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday respectively. This move allows fans who traditionally watch the Champions League in the United States on Paramount+ to also enjoy these high-profile matches on over-the-air TV.
CBS's decision is part of a conscious effort to bring big games onto their over-the-air channel. This strategy was recently demonstrated when they aired a game from the USL Championship, which attracted an audience of 362,000 as Louisville City FC defeated Indy Eleven.
This isn't CBS's first venture into broadcasting Champions League games. Several matches from different rounds of knockout stages have previously been made available for American audiences via the CBS OTA channel. For instance, previous finals and other knockout-stage rounds have aired on this network.
These broadcasts have proven popular with viewers; nearly 1 million people watched round-of-16 clashes last year while finals easily surpassed 2 million viewership mark.
Exciting Quarterfinal ties on cards for fans
The upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinals promise thrilling action that should attract large audiences similar to past broadcasts by CBS. The four teams featuring next week - Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City and PSG - all boast significant followings in the United States.
Real Madrid and Barcelona are globally popular teams with extensive fan bases extending into America. Meanwhile, Manchester City is known as the defending Champion while PSG star player Kylian Mbappe adding further allure for viewership.
Adding more excitement were dramatic first legs that saw Real Madrid and Manchester City play out a stunning 3-3 draw, while Barcelona secured an unexpected win against PSG.
CBS also modified coverage plans for UCL games
CBS has also revealed its coverage plans for these games. Pregame coverage will start ninety minutes before kickoff on the CBS Sports Golazo Network and Paramount+. The main coverage on CBS will begin at 2 p.m. ET with Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards reprising their usual roles at the desk.
For the Manchester City vs Real Madrid game, Clive Tyldesley will be handling play-by-play duties alongside analyst Rob Green. On Tuesday's match between Barcelona and PSG, Chris Wittyngham and Ray Hudson will be calling the return leg.
This move by CBS to broadcast two of the Champions League quarterfinal games is a significant step in making high-profile soccer matches more accessible to American audiences. With exciting matchups lined up and comprehensive coverage planned, sports fans have every reason to tune into CBS next week
