Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain will contest the Champions League final in an unusual 5pm BST kick-off today, marking a significant shift in the tournament's scheduling and broadcasting history.
UEFA announced last August that from the 2025-26 season, the final would start earlier to enhance the fan experience. The move from the traditional 8pm BST slot aims to make the event more family-friendly, with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stating: 'With this change, we are placing the fans' experience at the heart of our planning.'
For the first time in the competition's 34-year history, the final will not be available on free-to-air television in the UK. Instead, PSG vs Arsenal will be shown exclusively on TNT Sports, a subscription service.
UEFA's decision to bring forward the kick-off time is intended to improve access to public transport for travelling supporters and boost the economic impact for host cities. The earlier finish, even with extra time or penalties, allows fans to enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family.
The change also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, aiming to reach a broader global audience, particularly younger viewers. Arsenal's last Champions League final appearance was 20 years ago, when they lost to Barcelona on a Wednesday evening.
