The Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, broadcast exclusively on TNT Sports in the UK, reportedly attracted 3.7 million unique views via illegal streams, according to analysis by The Guardian. The actual number of illegal viewers is believed to be significantly higher.
The match, which saw Arsenal lose on penalties after a 1-1 draw, was the first Champions League final in history to be locked behind a paywall in the UK. TNT Sports held exclusive broadcasting rights, prompting many fans to seek alternative means to watch the game.
In contrast, TNT Sports reported an audience of around 7 million viewers, with a peak share of 26.6 per cent of the total TV audience. A TNT Sports spokesperson said: 'The UEFA Champions League final performed strongly in the UK, reaching more than 7 million people and delivering TNT Sports’ 2nd highest ever share of total TV audience.'
The viewing figures come despite a plea from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who wrote to TNT Sports urging them to make the final free-to-air. In his letter, Starmer said: 'Hardworking 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.'
TNT Sports responded by noting that all three UEFA finals this year were available from £4.99 via a month-long subscription to HBO Max. The decision not to broadcast the final on free-to-air television has sparked debate about access to major sporting events in the UK.
