Prime Minister Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports urging the broadcaster to reverse its decision to charge viewers for the Champions League final, calling for the match to be made available on free-to-air television. In a letter, Starmer expressed disappointment that for the first time in 34 years, the final will not be accessible without a subscription.
The Champions League final, set for May 30 in Budapest, will see Arsenal face Paris Saint-Germain. Starmer, a known Arsenal fan, emphasised that the issue goes beyond club allegiance, stating that supporters of all teams should be able to watch the game without financial burden. He argued that hard-working people should not have to worry about subscription costs for such a significant event.
Historically, Champions League finals were broadcast on ITV from 1992 to 2003, and jointly with Sky Sports until 2015. BT Sport, later rebranded as TNT Sports, acquired rights from 2015 and previously streamed finals for free on YouTube or via discovery+. This year, TNT Sports has opted to charge for all three European finals, despite English clubs competing in each.
A TNT Sports spokesperson defended the decision, noting that the finals are available for £4.99 via a month-long HBO Max subscription, which they described as exceptional value. The move has drawn criticism from fans and politicians alike, with Starmer urging the broadcaster to prioritise supporters over profits.
