UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
When is the UEFA Champions League draw? How to watch on TV and stream online | Soccer
The 2024/25 season introduces a significant overhaul of the traditional UCL format, and fans will not want to miss the draw.
This draw will set the stage for the group phase of the competition, where 36 teams will compete in a reimagined format designed to increase the excitement and competitiveness of Europe’s premier club tournament.
The 2024/25 season brings us a serious overhaul of the traditional Champions League format, one we’ve been waiting for since it was first announced. Gone are the days of the familiar group stage: instead, UEFA has opted for a “Swiss model,” which it is argued both innovative and complex.
Champions League draw: how does the new format work?
- Single league phase: All 36 teams will be placed in a single league table, but each team will play only 8 matches – four at home and four away – against different opponents. This means that no team will face the same opponent twice in this phase.
- Qualification for knockouts: The top 8 teams at the end of this league phase will automatically advance to the round of 16. Meanwhile, teams placed 9th to 24th will enter a knockout round playoff. The winners of these playoffs will secure the remaining eight spots in the round of 16.
- Knockout stages: After the round of 16, the competition will proceed with its traditional knockout format, culminating in the final, which will take place on May 31, 2025, at the Allianz Arena Munich.
Watch the UEFA Champions League Draw live stream on Paramount +
What time does UEFA Champions League draw start?
The UEFA Champions League draw will take place on Thursday, August 29 at 12 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m PT. This time the draw will take place in Monaco (where it will be 6 p.m.).
How can I watch UEFA Champions League draw?
As the primary broadcaster of UEFA competitions in the U.S., Paramount+ will offer comprehensive coverage of the draw.
Watch the UEFA Champions League Draw live stream on Paramount +
Follow UEFA Champions League draw live with AS USA
You can be sure not to miss a moment of the action by joining our live text commentary right here on AS USA. Build up begins around an hour or so before the formalities get going and our inimitable Paul Reidy will be explaining all you need to know, while keeping you informed and entertained in equal measures throughout.
UEFA Champions League draw what to expect
For the teams, this format offers both opportunities and challenges. The variation in opponents is meant to ensure that no single team can dominate a weak group as in past seasons. Every match counts, and even the giants of European football must be on their toes from the start.
For fans, it is hoped that this promises a more dynamic and unpredictable competition, where the battle for knockout stage qualification could go down to the wire. With more teams involved in meaningful matches throughout the league phase, the Champions League is set to deliver more drama and excitement than ever before. Time, as always, will tell.