Why Paramount+ Blocks Football (and How to Unblock It)

There I was. Hotel WiFi connected, VPN running, snacks ready, Paramount+ open… and boom – no Champions League. Just a weird “error” message where my football stream should’ve been. Movies? Fine. Series? Crystal clear. But football? Blocked. Gone. Denied.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And no, it’s not just your connection or your VPN acting up. Paramount+ is doing something sneaky, and football fans like us are paying the price.

Wait… Why Block Football and Nothing Else?

Recently, multiple users (including one on Reddit’s r/VPN) reported the same odd behavior: Paramount+ streams movies and TV shows just fine with a VPN… except for live sports. Suddenly, football content like UEFA Champions League is being selectively blocked – even if you’re using a US-based VPN server and a legit Paramount+ US account.

Why? It all boils down to licensing restrictions. Sports rights are a legal nightmare, and broadcasters are under pressure to block unauthorized access – even if it’s just a traveler watching their own subscription abroad.

In short: Paramount+ seems to be targeting live football specifically, and detecting VPNs more aggressively – just for those matches.

So… What Can You Do About It?

Luckily, there are a few tricks that still work (for now). Here’s what to try if you’re locked out of football on Paramount+ while traveling:

1. Switch VPN Providers

Some VPNs are better at bypassing these specific sport-related blocks than others. Personally, I’ve tested several, and here are five solid choices that still work with Paramount+ (at the time of writing):

• NordVPN – Fast, reliable, and consistently bypasses sports geo-blocks.
• Surfshark – Affordable and comes with Smart DNS for streaming on your TV.
• ExpressVPN – Works great on Apple TV, Android TV, and more. One of the best for Paramount+.
• CyberGhost – Has dedicated streaming servers, including ones optimized for US platforms.
• PIA (Private Internet Access) – Solid all-around choice with a massive US server network.

Don’t be afraid to test a few different ones. What fails today might work tomorrow – and vice versa.

2. Rotate US Servers

Even within the same VPN provider, not all servers are equal. Some are already blacklisted by Paramount+, while others still sneak through. Try manually switching to different US cities in your VPN app – like New York, Chicago, or Miami.

3. Use Incognito Mode and Clear Cookies

Streaming services love to track you with cookies and browser data. Before giving up, try opening Paramount+ in incognito mode or clearing your cookies/cache.

It’s a basic fix, but you’d be surprised how often it works.

4. Block Location Access

Double-check your browser or device permissions. If Paramount+ detects your real location (e.g. via GPS or browser location services), it might ignore your VPN and serve content based on where you actually are.

Go into your settings and deny location access for both your browser and the Paramount+ app.

Final Thoughts: The Game’s Not Over

Yeah, it’s frustrating. You pay for the subscription, you use a legal VPN while traveling – and you still get blocked. But this is the world of digital rights in 2025.

The good news? You’re not powerless. With the right VPN, the right server, and a little patience, you can still catch the big match from wherever you are.

And let’s be honest: watching football from a beach in Portugal, a rooftop in Bangkok, or a cabin in Iceland is alwaysworth the extra 5 minutes of setup.

My Bonus Tip

Stick with VPNs that actively invest in streaming compatibility. Free ones and random cheap apps from the app store usually don’t stand a chance.

Here’s my go-to list again – all tested and travel-approved:

🏆 They all offer money-back guarantees, so feel free to try them risk-free and see which one scores the winning goal.

Petr

I'm Petr, and the online world has been my playground for over 25 years. I build websites, run my own businesses, test new tools, explore what works (and what doesn’t), and share tips that save people time, money, and stress. On this site, you'll find no-nonsense articles, honest insights, and a dash of humor or irony. When I’m not behind the keyboard, I’m out chasing bike trails or discovering new golf courses. The rest of the time, you’ll find me on adventures with my wife and our two sons.

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