• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
    More
    Media

    Real Madrid-Man City UCL Semi Breaks American Viewing Record

    • The 1.1 million average viewers were 118% more than a comparable match in 2019.
    • CBS acquired the rights to Champions League for $150M per year in 2019.
    By
    May 06, 2022 | 04:23 pm
    UEFA Champions League

    Real Madrid’s stunning victory over Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final was not only one of the greatest comebacks in the competition’s history — it was also one of the most watched in U.S. history.

    Wednesday’s match averaged 1.1 million viewers, the most for a UCL semi-final ever on English-language American television, per Sports Business Journal.

    Against a comparable semi-final match from 2019, viewership was up 118%.

    Besides the excitement of the game itself, the matchup between two iconic clubs likely gave viewership a boost: Real Madrid ranks fifth ($4.8B) and Manchester City ranks 13th ($4B) on Forbes’ list of highest-value sports teams.

    CBS attained the English-language U.S. rights to Champions League in 2019 for a reported $150 million per year.

    The network began broadcasting games on its Paramount+ streaming service in 2020.

    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read
    by

    Cristiano Ronaldo Skips Game to Express Displeasure With Saudi PIF
    He’s never won a Saudi title since joining in late 2022.
    Team WNBA guard Caitlin Clark dribbles up the court against Team USA during the WNBA All-Star Game at Footprint Center in Phoenix on July 20, 2024.
    by

    Ex-NFL Pro, Commanders Exec Says Women’s Sports Is An Undervalued Asset
    Jason Wright oversees a fund that has secured $250 million.
    Jan 24, 2026; Carson, California, USA; United States forward Emma Sears (19) dribbles the ball against Paraguay defender Daysy Bareiro (3) during the second half at Dignity Health Sports Park.
    by

    Olympics Continue Planning Outside L.A. With 6 New Soccer Host Cities
    Softball and canoe slalom will take place in OKC.
    Nov 16, 2025; Madrid, Spain; An advertisement for the 2025 NFL Madrid Game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins on the Cines Callao facade.
    by

    NFL Unveils Record International Slate, With Games in Madrid, Paris
    The league pushes further on its global ambitions.

    Featured Today

    Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
    by

    Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl
    The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.
    University of Southern California
    January 31, 2026

    College Athletic Departments Are Wooing Recruits With Content Studios
    Schools are creating content studios to win recruits and donor dollars.
    Dec 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Spencer Jones (21) reacts against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at Ball Arena
    January 30, 2026

    Spencer Jones Is Having a Moment in the NBA—and on LinkedIn
    The Nuggets forward and Stanford grad is a prolific poster and investor.
    Tim Jenkins
    January 24, 2026

    How One NFL Pass Turned Into a Career on YouTube
    Tim Jenkins missed the NFL. He took his football IQ to YouTube.

    More in Media
    Rick Cordella
    by

    NBC Sports Boss Talks Wild Sports Stretch, Michael Jordan
    Rick Cordella says “we hope there’s more” with Michael Jordan.
    exclusive
    February 3, 2026

    ESPN Finalizing Two-Year Deal With Influencer Lily Shimbashi
    Shimbashi’s Sportsish specializes in content for female sports fans.
    February 3, 2026

    Scott Hanson: ‘They Didn’t Consult Me’ on Hated NFL RedZone Ads
    The NFL is a “for-profit” business, Hanson noted.
    Sponsored

    From Kobe Bryant to Tom Brady: Mike Repole’s Billion-Dollar Playbook
    Mike Repole shares an inside look into building brands & working with star athletes.
    February 3, 2026

    NBC Hopes Super Bowl Breaks U.S. TV Records, but No Guarantees
    Network executives remain hopeful that viewers will watch in historic numbers.
    Kid Rock walks out to speak ahead of Vice President J.D. Vance at Fort. Campbell Military Base in Fort Campbell, KY., on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.
    opinion
    February 3, 2026

    Why Kid Rock’s Bad Bunny Challenge Will Flop on Super Bowl Sunday
    The show will also feature Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.
    Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D'Amaro unveiled a slew of new parks announcements to a packed Honda Center during 2024's D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event.
    February 3, 2026

    Disney’s New CEO Arrives During Momentous Changes at ESPN
    Josh D’Amaro oversaw Disney’s theme park business.
    Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) runs against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field.
    February 3, 2026

    Super Bowl Will Be Test of New Nielsen Measurement
    Nielsen to test enhanced co-viewing measurement during Super Bowl LX.