Wednesday, May 13, 2026

UEFA Champions League Sparks Paramount’s Growth

  • Paramount reached 64 million global subscribers in the second quarter.
  • The company has been stocking up on soccer rights.
Paramount+
Shutterstock

Paramount saw big streaming subscriber growth as it looks to bolster its sports portfolio.

In the second quarter, Paramount+ added 4.9 million subscribers to reach 43 million, after removing 1.2 million subscribers in Russia following the country’s invasion of Ukraine. The company reached 64 million subscribers across all its streaming platforms.

CEO Bob Bakish cited the UEFA Champions League among the content that drove acquisition and engagement.

The company also holds rights to:

  • National Football League
  • SEC College football
  • Numerous soccer properties including NWSL, the UEFA Europa League, Concacaf, World Cup qualifying matches, and the Premier League in certain territories.

Paramount saw revenue grow 19% year-over-year to $7.8 billion in Q2. Direct-to-consumer revenue leapt 56% to $1.2 billion

The growth cuts against the broader narrative around streaming services: Netflix lost around 1 million subscribers in Q2, while Peacock’s numbers were flat at 13 million.

Roku Too

Paramount+ will grow its reach this month after striking a deal with Roku to join the company’s roster of add-on services. Roku, which had 63.1 million active accounts as of July 28, will offer $4.99 per month ad-supported and $9.99 ad-free services.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Netflix Deepens Its NFL Ties With Expanded Five-Game Package

The streaming giant significantly increased its presence with the league.
opinion

NFL Should Release Audio on Crucial Replay Decisions

The ACC let viewers in the replay booth last fall.

New York, New Jersey Lower Costs for World Cup Transit

Round-trip trains will now cost $98, and buses $20.
TNT Sports

WBD Leans Further Into Sports With Paramount Deal Looming

The TNT Sports parent company pushes ahead with its own programming plans.

Featured Today

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
May 12, 2026

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.
Los Angeles, CA - May 8, 2026 - LAPC: Stephen A Smith and Skip Bayless on the set of First Take.

‘First Take’ Ratings Up 24% for Skip Bayless Return

The episode marked Bayless’s first ESPN appearance in a decade.
Apex, NC - February 15, 2026: Portrait of the Super Bowl LXI 61 Football.
May 13, 2026

ESPN Wants Its First Super Bowl to Be the Most-Watched Ever

Fox’s broadcast of Super Bowl LIX holds the current record.
Mar 15, 2025; Charlotte, NC, USA; ACC commissioner Jim Phillips hands the championship trophy to Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer after the 2025 ACC Conference Championship game against the Louisville Cardinals at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
May 13, 2026

ACC Backs Duke-Amazon Deal Despite Big Ten Concerns

ACC commissioner Jim Phillips revealed ESPN was involved in the discussions.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
May 13, 2026

NFL International Slate Gives Legacy Networks Bigger Stage

Legacy broadcast networks are core to this part of the schedule.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald on the sideline against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.
May 12, 2026

Super Bowl LXI Gets the Star Treatment at Disney Upfronts

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell appears at the network’s upfront presentation.
Feb 6, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; A NFL shield logo on an Honors trophy at the Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
exclusive
May 12, 2026

NFL Honors Expected to Move to Netflix

The NFL’s annual awards show is moving to streaming.
Packers fans watch as the 49ers celebrate one of their touchdowns on a giant TV screen at Mecca Sports Bar and Grill on Jan. 19, 2020.
May 12, 2026

NFL Schedule Tweaks Continue Erosion of Sunday’s Witching Hour

More standalone windows mean less inventory for “NFL RedZone.”