Keir Starmer urges TNT Sports to make Champions League final free-to-air

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has formally requested that TNT Sports reconsider its decision to keep next Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris St-Germain behind a paywall. Starmer noted that this is the first time since the competition's current format began in 1992 that the final will not be available for free in the UK.

In a letter to the broadcaster, Starmer, a vocal Arsenal supporter, argued that the issue transcends club allegiances. He stated that the final of the world's biggest club competition should be accessible to all fans in the country, which he described as the "home of football."

The wider context is a shift in broadcast strategy following Warner Bros Discovery's acquisition of BT Sport, which was rebranded as TNT Sports. Access to the matches now requires a subscription to the new streaming service, HBO Max, with prices starting at £4.99. Previously, the final was frequently broadcast without cost, including via YouTube channels, under the former BT Sport management.

For the broadcaster, the situation is viewed as providing high value. TNT Sports stated that their coverage represents exceptional value for fans, noting that the subscription includes additional entertainment content on the platform. They also highlighted their pride in supporting English football, given that three Premier League clubs reached European finals this season.

Next, if the broadcaster maintains its current stance, fans will need to secure a subscription to view the match live. Highlights will be made available on the BBC Sport website and iPlayer 15 minutes after the trophy ceremony, while live radio commentary will remain accessible via BBC Radio 5 Live.