CBS is set to bring its talented cast pitchside to Wembley Stadium for the UEFA Champions League Final coverage. This move aligns with the company's conscious effort to provide more live coverage from stadiums, which has proven successful in engaging sports fans and sports betting enthusiasts.
The decision to broadcast live from stadiums has significantly contributed to CBS's success metrics. The broadcaster reports that its social platforms received 3.5 billion views this season alone for its UEFA coverage. Notably, Jamie Carragher’s trip to Dortmund drew over half a million viewers on CBS’s YouTube channel.
Fans are tuning into CBS not only for the games but also for pregame and postgame coverages. As a result, CBS saw double-digit household growth, streaming minutes, and average minute audience (AMA). For instance, the Champions League quarterfinal tie of Manchester City vs Real Madrid grew by 25% compared to last season’s competition.
Pitchside moments drive success
A significant portion of these 3.5 billion social media views come from studio analysis and coverage featuring Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards. However, it is worth noting that many of these moments occur when the crew sets up shop at stadiums rather than in studios.
Pete Radovich, Senior Creative Director at CBS Sports wanted an authentic feel for their shows - one that resonated with European audiences through recognizable talent involved in pitchside moments throughout the season.
Kate Abdo, CBS Sports host, said:
“For me, the moments that always stand out are the ones at the stadium live and in person. You sacrifice certain things in terms of the level of analysis we can do. There is no touch screen, and you cannot go into the same depth. You gain so much in terms of the energy and what you transmit. You cannot help but be infected by that when you are there.”
The atmosphere at Wembley Stadium during the UEFA Champions League Final will provide an excellent backdrop for this group's finale of the 2023/24 season. With ample opportunity provided by Radovich and his team during pregame and postgame shows; fans can expect more iconic moments captured live on camera.
CBS is hosting 7.5 hours of coverage surrounding the UEFA Champions League Final on Saturday, including a two-hour pregame show pitchside from Wembley Stadium.
Accessible coverage for all with special appearances
All parts of CBS’s coverage are available on Paramount+. However, even without the streaming platform, fans can still enjoy the first 30 minutes of the pregame show on the free CBS Sports Golazo Network. The remaining 90 minutes and game will air on CBS TV channel. Postgame coverage at 5:30 p.m. ET is available on CBS Sports Network.
The UEFA Champions League coverage by CBS will also feature special visits from NBA star Joel Embiid, Juventus legend Alessandro del Piero and Dora the Explorer to connect with younger audiences.
As CBS begins its new six-year deal with UEFA later this year, viewership is expected to continue growing due to these engaging pitchside moments and comprehensive game coverages.
