The Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain attracted 7 million viewers on TNT Sports in the UK, but illegal streams also saw significant traffic, with 3.7 million unique views reported by The Guardian. The match, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat for Arsenal after a 1-1 draw, was the first Champions League final to be broadcast exclusively on a pay-TV channel in the UK.
TNT Sports defended its decision, noting that the final was available for £4.99 via a month-long HBO Max subscription. A spokesperson said the three European club finals this season were watched by over 13 million viewers across TNT Sports and HBO Max, with the Champions League final delivering TNT's second-highest ever share of total TV audience.
The viewing figures come despite a public plea from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who urged TNT Sports to make the final free-to-air. In a letter, Starmer argued that the Champions League final should remain accessible to all fans, not just subscribers. TNT Sports responded by highlighting the affordability of its streaming option.
Illegal streaming numbers may be higher than reported, as The Guardian's analysis only captured unique views and not total viewership. The trend underscores ongoing tensions between broadcasters and fans over the cost of accessing major sporting events.
