The Champions League plays on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings throughout the season, building to the knockout rounds and the final in May. For fans, understanding which channel carries which match — and at what time — is essential for planning viewing.
Champions League Kick-Off Times
Champions League matches kick off at two standard times in the USA:
- 5:45 PM GMT / BST — early kick-off slot (a smaller number of matches each matchday)
- 8:00 PM GMT / BST — main kick-off slot (the majority of matches, including high-profile fixtures)
Both kick-off times are used across Tuesday and Wednesday matchdays. BST (British Summer Time) runs from late March to late October, so early season matches are at 8:00 PM BST, while winter matches are at 8:00 PM GMT.
Champions League TV Channels
TNT Sports
TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport) holds the primary Champions League broadcast rights . All Champions League matches — group stage, knockout rounds and final — are broadcast on TNT Sports. The free-to-air allocation (see below) is a subset of this.
TNT Sports 1 carries the primary fixture each week. TNT Sports 2, 3, and 4 carry simultaneous matches where multiple fixtures have US broadcast interest.
TNT Sports Ultimate (4K UHD)
TNT Sports Ultimate broadcasts selected Champions League matches in 4K UHD, including knockout rounds and the final. Vivimate includes TNT Sports Ultimate in every plan.
CBS Sports (US — not US broadcast)
Note: CBS Sports holds some Champions League rights in the US. Coverage is also on TNT Sports and Channel 5.
Channel 5 (Free-to-Air Highlights)
Channel 5 holds the free-to-air Champions League highlights rights in the USA, broadcasting a midweek highlights show following each round of matches.
Champions League Match Day Schedule 2026
| Stage | Months | Matchdays |
|---|---|---|
| League Phase (MD 1–4) | September–November | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| League Phase (MD 5–8) | November–January | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Round of 16 Knockouts | February–March | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Quarter-Finals | April | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Semi-Finals | April–May | Tuesday & Wednesday |
| Final | Late May | Saturday |
How to Watch Every Champions League Match in the USA
Vivimate includes all TNT Sports channels (TNT Sports 1–4, plus TNT Sports Ultimate for 4K) in every subscription plan. All Champions League fixtures broadcast in the USA are accessible — from opening matchday through to the final.
The full EPG in Vivimate shows correct kick-off times automatically, so you don't need to check schedules separately. At 8:00 PM on a Champions League Tuesday, your EPG will show all available fixtures across all TNT Sports channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Champions League kick off in the USA?
The main Champions League kick-off is 8:00 PM (BST in summer, GMT in winter). An earlier slot at 5:45 PM carries a smaller number of fixtures each matchday. Both TNT Sports channels cover both slots.
Is the Champions League on free-to-air in the USA?
Not live. TNT Sports holds all live broadcast rights. Channel 5 airs highlights. A small number of Champions League matches have historically been sublicensed to free-to-air channels, but the majority of fixtures require a paid subscription or Vivimate.
Is the Champions League Final in 4K in the USA?
Yes. TNT Sports Ultimate broadcasts the Champions League Final in 4K UHD. Vivimate includes TNT Sports Ultimate in every subscription — no separate upgrade required.
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