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Champions League Final Put Behind Paywall as Starmer and Khan Demand Free Broadcast

Political leaders say the paywall risks blocking millions of fans and could prompt regulatory or contractual challenges.

Overview

  • TNT Sports has confirmed the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG will be available in the UK only to paying viewers on TNT or via an HBO Max subscription.
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer and London Mayor Sadiq Khan have publicly urged TNT to make the match free to watch, and fan groups have joined their call.
  • TNT has defended the decision by pointing to a month-long HBO Max option priced from £4.99 while acknowledging full TNT access through pay-TV partners normally costs £25–£34 a month.
  • UEFA and some MPs have raised concerns about access and have said rights holders should try to make finals widely available, raising the prospect of formal challenges or regulatory scrutiny.
  • The dispute comes as TNT is due to lose UEFA club rights after the 2026–27 season to Paramount and Sky, a shift that highlights a wider move toward selling major matches behind subscriptions and risks leaving casual fans shut out.