How to watch Premier League 2025-26 on CCTV
If you want to watch the Premier League on CCTV, the 2025-26 season will be full of exciting games from top English clubs. This guide explains how to watch EPL matches on China Central Television so you don’t miss any goals or big moments. The season starts in August 2025, and CCTV is a key way for fans in China to enjoy the action. CCTV still has the rights to show some live games, making it easy for viewers to watch. You might hear it called streaming the EPL on CCTV or watching Premier League matches on Chinese state TV. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are new to the league, this guide will help you get the best viewing experience.
Understanding Premier League Broadcasting on CCTV
The Premier League is one of the most loved football leagues in the world, and CCTV helps bring it to fans in China. In the 2025-26 season, CCTV will continue showing selected matches, mainly the big and important ones. This is part of a long-term deal that will last until the end of the 2026-27 season, so fans can expect steady coverage.
Not all 380 matches will be shown live because of time and schedule limits. Instead, CCTV focuses on weekend games and popular rival matches that many people watch. Knowing this helps fans plan which games to watch.
With top players like Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, the excitement is high every week. Keeping track of CCTV’s schedule makes sure you don’t miss the best moments.
Which CCTV Channel to Tune Into for Premier League Matches
CCTV has many channels, but sports fans know where to watch the action. CCTV-5 is the main channel for live sports, including Premier League matches. It shows a lot of football, so it’s the best place to watch EPL games. Sometimes, when there are two big events at the same time, extra matches are shown on CCTV-5+, which has more sports coverage. Both channels are available across the country. Viewers should check local TV schedules for exact times, as they may change with time zones. Watching CCTV-5 first is the safest way to catch Premier League matches. In 2025, there have been no changes to this channel lineup, so it will stay the same for the season.
Key Features of CCTV-5 for Sports Fans
CCTV-5 shows games in clear HD and has expert commentators speaking Mandarin. It also gives pre-match analysis and post-game highlights, so fans enjoy more than just the game.
How to Access CCTV for Watching Premier League 2025-26
Watching CCTV in China is easy, and there are many ways to do it. Many people still use traditional TVs, as cable providers include CCTV channels in their basic plans for free. In rural areas, satellite dishes give a clear signal where cable might not be available.
For people who are often on the go, mobile apps are a good choice. The official CNTV app lets you watch on your phone or tablet, but you need a stable internet connection to avoid buffering.
By using a mix of these options, you can watch the Premier League on CCTV in the way that suits you best. For international viewers in China, a VPN can be used if needed, but locals can access CCTV directly.
Cable and Satellite Options
Most households subscribe to services like China Telecom or local cable networks that bundle CCTV-5. Additionally, satellite providers such as ChinaSat deliver high-quality feeds nationwide.
Online Streaming Methods
The CNTV website and app offer free streaming for CCTV channels, including live EPL games. Furthermore, registration is simple, often requiring just a phone number for verification. Therefore, this digital approach appeals to younger fans.
| Access Method | Pros | Cons | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable TV | Reliable signal, no internet needed | Fixed location | Nationwide via providers |
| Satellite TV | Clear in remote areas | Installation required | Through ChinaSat and others |
| CNTV App | Mobile-friendly, on-demand highlights | Needs Wi-Fi or data | Free download on app stores |
| CNTV Website | Browser-based, easy access | Potential ads | Open to all users in China |
Premier League 2025-26 Schedule on CCTV
Knowing the schedule is important to plan your weekends around Premier League games. The season starts in August 2025 and ends in May 2026. Most matches happen on Saturdays and Sundays. CCTV usually shows two or three games each week, mostly games with big teams like Manchester City and Liverpool. For example, the first games in mid-August have the champions playing against new teams.
Important games also happen around December 26, 2025, during Boxing Day. Later in the season, big games that decide the winner take place in April and May. The exact game times can change but often start at 7:30 PM or 10:00 PM Beijing time to match UK game times. So, it’s good to check the CCTV sports schedule every week so you don’t miss any games. Also, apps like CNTV can send you reminders about upcoming matches to make it easier.
How to Find the Latest Schedule
Visit the CCTV sports section online or use the app’s calendar feature. Additionally, social media updates from CCTV provide real-time changes due to weather or other issues.
| Matchweek Example | Date | Featured Matches on CCTV | Time (Beijing) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | August 16-18, 2025 | Manchester United vs Fulham | 7:30 PM |
| Week 10 | October 19-20, 2025 | Arsenal vs Chelsea | 10:00 PM |
| Week 20 | December 26-27, 2025 | Liverpool vs Manchester City | 8:00 PM |
| Week 38 | May 25, 2026 | Title-deciding fixtures | Various |
Tips for the Best Viewing Experience on CCTV
To enjoy watching the Premier League on CCTV more, try these easy tips. First, make sure your TV or device can show HD for clear pictures. Also, invite friends to watch with you to feel like you are at the stadium. Prepare some snacks and drinks to keep you going during the 90-minute game. Try not to get distracted by phone notifications so you can focus on the match. These tips will help you have more fun. If you have a DVR, you can record the game and watch important parts again later. So, if you miss the live game, it’s easy to catch up.
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Common Troubleshooting
If signal issues arise, restart your device or check cables. Additionally, for streaming, clear cache to improve performance.
Recent Updates on Premier League Rights in China
As of August 2025, CCTV still has the rights to show Premier League games on TV until the 2026-27 season. This means millions of people can watch for free on regular TV. At the same time, streaming sites like Migu have the exclusive rights to show the games online starting this season. CCTV focuses on regular TV broadcasts. Sometimes, these companies work together to show more games. So, fans have different ways to watch. Also, the league is making special content for China, like Mandarin commentary for viewers. Because of this, watching the games will be even better in the future.
Additional Guidance for International Fans in China
Expats and visitors can watch the Premier League on CCTV using hotel TVs or public screens. Many hotels have CCTV-5 channels. Also, co-working places or sports bars often show the games. Buying a local SIM card helps to watch on your phone. Sometimes, the commentary might be in a different language, but you can use apps to get English subtitles. This makes it easy to enjoy the games like locals. You can also join online fan groups to share tips and predictions.
Benefits of Watching on CCTV
Free access stands out, unlike paid platforms elsewhere. Additionally, national coverage reaches even remote provinces effectively.
FAQs
What channel on CCTV shows Premier League matches in 2025-26?
Can I stream Premier League on CCTV online for free?
How many Premier League games does CCTV air per week?
Conclusion
Watching the Premier League 2025-26 on CCTV is an easy and fun way to enjoy the games. By knowing which channels to watch, how to access them, and the match schedules, fans can follow the season without missing any action. Also, using helpful tips and staying updated makes the experience even better. So, start watching the EPL today and support your favorite teams!
Check Also: Watch Premier League 2025-26 on NBC Sports
