Yes, you can watch games on Paramount Plus, but the selection depends on what sport you follow
Paramount Plus carries live sports through its partnership with CBS Sports, which means you get access to NFL games, college football, college basketball, and some golf tournaments. The specific games available to you depend on which Paramount Plus plan you have — the ad-supported tier and the ad-free tier both include sports, but some premium live events may require an add-on subscription or a cable login.
The platform does not carry every game in every sport. If you follow a team that plays on ESPN, Fox, or NBC, you will need those networks' apps or a cable subscription to watch those broadcasts. Paramount Plus is strongest for CBS-owned sports rights, which is why NFL games on CBS and certain college sports are your most reliable options.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus includes NFL games that air on CBS, college football on CBS, and college basketball games, included with both subscription tiers.
- Some premium live events like playoff games or championship matches may require an add-on sports package or cable authentication.
- Golf tournaments on CBS, including PGA Tour events, are available on Paramount Plus depending on broadcast rights for that week.
- Games that air on ESPN, Fox, or NBC require those networks' apps or cable login — Paramount Plus does not carry those broadcasts.
NFL Games on Paramount Plus
Paramount Plus streams NFL games that CBS broadcasts, which includes regular season Thursday Night Football games and some Sunday afternoon matchups. The exact games available depend on your location and the CBS broadcast schedule for that week. You do not need a cable login to watch these games — they are included with your Paramount Plus subscription.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl may have different rules depending on which network holds the broadcast rights that year. If the Super Bowl airs on CBS, it will be on Paramount Plus. If it airs on another network, you will need that network's app or a cable subscription. Check the NFL schedule on the Paramount Plus app a few days before game day to confirm which games are available that week.
College Football and Basketball
Paramount Plus carries college football games that air on CBS, along with some games from the SEC on CBS package. College basketball games on CBS are also available. Like NFL games, these are included with your standard Paramount Plus subscription and do not require a cable login.
The number of college games available varies by week and by season. March Madness (the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament) has games on multiple networks, so not all games will be on Paramount Plus — some will require ESPN, Turner Sports, or other network apps. Check the tournament schedule on Paramount Plus or on NCAA.org to see which games air on CBS.
Golf Tournaments and Other Sports
PGA Tour events that air on CBS are available on Paramount Plus, including some tournaments throughout the year. The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, and PGA Championship have different broadcast partners depending on the year, so not all of these major tournaments will be on Paramount Plus every year.
Paramount Plus also carries some soccer matches, tennis events, and other sports depending on CBS broadcast rights. The availability of these events changes seasonally and year to year. Your best approach is to search the Paramount Plus app for the specific sport or event you want to watch — the app will show you what is available this week and what is coming up.
Premium Events and Add-On Packages
Some live sports events on Paramount Plus may require an add-on subscription or cable authentication. For example, certain playoff games or championship events might be behind a "Paramount Plus with Showtime" tier or require you to log in with a cable provider account. The app will tell you which authentication method is needed before you try to watch.
If you see a game you want to watch but the app says you need cable login or an add-on, you have a few options: upgrade to a higher Paramount Plus tier, add a sports package if available, or log in with a cable provider account if you have one. Some games are also available through the CBS Sports app or CBS.com if you authenticate with cable there.
How to Find Games on Paramount Plus
Open the Paramount Plus app and look for the "Sports" section in the main menu. From there, you can browse upcoming games by sport or by date. You can also search for a specific team or sport in the search bar. The app shows you which games are available to watch now and which are coming up in the next few days.
If you want to be notified when a specific team's game is available, many apps let you set reminders. Check your Paramount Plus settings to see if you can turn on notifications for your favorite teams. You can also check the CBS Sports website or the official NFL, college football, or college basketball websites to see which games air on CBS that week, then confirm they are on Paramount Plus.
What Games Are Not on Paramount Plus
Games that air on ESPN, Fox, NBC, Turner Sports (TNT, TBS), or regional sports networks will not be on Paramount Plus. If your favorite team plays most of their games on ESPN or Fox, you will need those apps or a cable subscription to watch most of their games. Paramount Plus is a supplement to those services, not a replacement.
Some sports leagues also have their own streaming services — the NBA has NBA League Pass, MLB has MLB.TV, and the NHL has ESPN Plus. These services carry games that are not on traditional broadcast networks. Paramount Plus does not include these league-specific services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need cable to watch games on Paramount Plus?
No. Most games on Paramount Plus, including NFL games on CBS and college sports, are included with your Paramount Plus subscription and do not require a cable login. Some premium events may ask for cable authentication, but standard games do not.
Can I watch my team's games on Paramount Plus?
Only if your team plays on CBS. If your team plays most games on ESPN, Fox, or another network, Paramount Plus will not have most of their games. Check the team's official schedule to see which network broadcasts each game.
Are playoff games and championships on Paramount Plus?
It depends on which network holds the broadcast rights that year. If CBS broadcasts the playoff game or championship, it will be on Paramount Plus. If another network has the rights, you will need that network's app. Check the league's official schedule a few weeks before the playoffs to see which network broadcasts which games.
Can I watch games on Paramount Plus without ads?
Yes. Both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers of Paramount Plus include sports. If you have the ad-free plan, you will not see ads during games. If you have the ad-supported plan, you will see ads during live sports broadcasts.
What if a game is blacked out in my area?
Local blackout rules vary by sport and by league. Some games are blacked out in certain regions to protect local broadcast partners. If you see a blackout message, you may be able to watch the game on a local CBS affiliate or through the league's own streaming service. Check the Paramount Plus app or the league's website for blackout details in your area.