Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports urging the broadcaster to make the Champions League final available on free-to-air television. The move comes after TNT opted to charge fans for all three European finals, a decision that has reportedly irritated UEFA.
First Subscription-Only Final in 34 Years
For the first time since the Champions League's modern rebrand in 1992, UK viewers will be unable to watch the final without a subscription. This has sparked outcry, especially with English clubs chasing a clean sweep of European titles.
In a strongly worded letter, Starmer stated: “I was saddened to see that, for the first time since the competition started 34 years ago, TNT Sports has decided that the Champions League final will not be free to watch for football supporters here in the UK. 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.”
Starmer: 'This Is About All Fans'
The Prime Minister, an Arsenal fan, acknowledged his personal interest but emphasised the broader issue. “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.”
History of Champions League Broadcasts
Champions League finals were previously broadcast live on ITV, which held exclusive rights from 1992 to 2003, then joint rights with Sky Sports until 2015. BT Sport acquired UEFA rights from the 2015/16 season and previously streamed finals for free on YouTube. TNT Sports, the rebranded channel, made finals available for free to discovery+ subscribers in recent years, but has now moved to a subscription-only model.
Upcoming Finals
Arsenal will face holders Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, aiming to win the competition for the first time. Aston Villa defeated Freiburg in the Europa League final earlier this week, while Crystal Palace meet Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final next Wednesday, seeking their first European trophy.
TNT Sports Responds
A TNT Sports spokesperson defended the decision, saying: “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.”
