British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called on TNT Sports to make next Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain available free-to-air, arguing that the showpiece event should be accessible to all fans.
In a letter to TNT executives, Starmer expressed disappointment that for the first time since the competition's inception in 1992, the final will not be broadcast without a subscription. He wrote: "I was saddened to see that, for the first time since the competition started 34 years ago, TNT Sports has decided that [the fixture] will not be free to watch for football supporters here in the UK."
Starmer, a self-confessed Arsenal fan, emphasized the cultural significance of the final: "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. I am a firm believer that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal have made it or not."
Every previous Champions League final since 1992 had been available free-to-air in the UK, initially on ITV and later on BT Sport, which simulcast the match on YouTube. However, after BT Sport was acquired by Warner Bros. Discovery and rebranded as TNT Sports, the free access ended. Last week, it was confirmed that fans would need a subscription to watch all three European club finals this season.
TNT Sports defended its decision, stating: "It has been a privilege to bring Uefa club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season.... 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."
Starmer countered: "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." He also noted that he has previously urged FIFA to make World Cup tickets more affordable.
The government previously rejected a House of Lords proposal to add the Champions League final to the list of protected "crown jewels" events. From the 2027-28 season, TNT will lose its European rights, with Paramount+ set to broadcast the Champions League and Sky Sports taking over the Europa League and Conference League.
Highlights of the final will be available on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer shortly after the match, with live commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.