Overview
- Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote to TNT Sports on Saturday asking the broadcaster to reverse its decision and make the Arsenal v PSG Champions League final free to watch for UK viewers.
- TNT has defended the change, saying fans can access the final through a month-long HBO Max subscription from £4.99 and that the offer provides value, and there is no public sign the company will make the match free.
- This season’s decision ends a decade-long practice of free streaming by BT/TNT and means the final will not be available without a paid subscription in the UK for the first time since the competition was rebranded in 1992.
- UEFA has reported irritation at TNT’s move and MPs from across parties have pressed the case for public access, while TNT’s rights to UEFA club competitions will pass to Paramount and Sky after the 2026–27 cycle.
- Fans face extra cost to watch the match and the controversy raises prospects of renewed political or regulatory action, including debate over whether the Champions League final should be added to the government’s protected ‘crown jewels’ list that guarantees free-to-air coverage.