UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has urged TNT Sports to make the upcoming Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain free-to-air. This appeal comes in response to the broadcaster's decision to restrict viewing of the final to subscribers only.
Since its inception in 1992, every Champions League final has been made available for UK viewers free of charge. However, this year marks a significant departure from that tradition. In a letter addressed to TNT executives, Starmer expressed his disappointment: "I was saddened to see that...TNT Sports has decided that [the fixture] will not be free to watch for football supporters here in the UK."
Last week it was revealed that fans would need a subscription not only for the Champions League but also all three European club finals - rights held by TNT.
Importance of accessibility
Starmer emphasized on how crucial it is for fans across the country - home of football - have access to these games.
UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said:
"The Champions League is the biggest club football competition in the world and rightly means a lot to fans in this country - the home of football. I am a firm believer that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal have made it or not. Obviously, I want as many fellow fans as possible to be able to watch our team in this historic final for the first time in 20 years. However, this is bigger than that.
"This is about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and pubs in every corner of the country to watch the most elite players in Europe battle it out. Hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude. We should be putting supporters first. That is why I have already encouraged Fifa to do more to make tickets more affordable at this summer's World Cup. That is also why I want to strongly urge you to reconsider and make the final next Saturday free to watch for the millions of passionate football fans in this country."
Fans wanting access had previously needed subscriptions even when Aston Villa won last week's Europa League final or those wishing to watch Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano battle it out at Conference League final on Wednesday.
In response, TNT Sports released statement:
"It has been a privilege to bring Uefa club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season. Having three Premier League clubs reach the finals shows the strength of English football and something that we are proud to continue to support.
"We have made all three Uefa finals this year available from just £4.99, the price for a month-long subscription to HBO Max that also includes the great entertainment on the service. This represents exceptional value for fans to watch the conclusion of the competitions."
Evolution of broadcasting rights
Six years ago, an attempt by House of Lords select committee proposing addition of Champions league finals into list of 'crown jewel' events was rejected by previous government. This would have ensured its availability as free-to-air always. From 1993 onwards till BT Sport acquired rights starting from 2015-16 season; ITV had broadcasted these finals freely. BT Sport continued this tradition till 2023, even broadcasting the game on its YouTube channel.
However, after Warner Bros Discovery bought BT Sport and rebranded it as TNT Sports, fans needed a Discovery+ account for access. This service has now been replaced by HBO Max - Warner Bros Discovery's new streaming service which offers no free option. From 2027-28 season onwards, TNT Sports will lose its European rights to Paramount+ and Sky Sports. While Paramount+ will broadcast Champions League matches, Europa League and Conference League will move to Sky Sports.
Despite these changes in viewing options, highlights of the Champions League final will be available on BBC Sport website and across social media channels 15 minutes post trophy lift; later in evening it can be viewed on BBC iPlayer and television. Live commentary for all three finals can be heard on BBC Radio 5 Live. Arsenal fans are particularly invested in this year's final as their team has been confirmed as Premier League champions for the first time since 2004 but have never won the Champions league.
