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Prime Minister Keir Starmer has urged TNT Sports to broadcast the upcoming UEFA Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain free-to-air for viewers across the United Kingdom. This will be Arsenal’s first appearance in a European Cup final since 2006, yet supporters currently face the challenge of needing a paid subscription to watch this milestone event.

Starmer stands up for the supporters

In a direct appeal to the broadcaster, Sir Keir Starmer expressed his disappointment over the decision to keep the Champions League final behind a paywall. As a lifelong Arsenal fan, the Prime Minister has written to TNT Sports executives, calling on them to reverse their decision. He pointed out that every final since the tournament’s rebranding in 1992 had previously been accessible for free in the UK.

In his letter to TNT executives, Starmer stated: “I was saddened to learn that, for the first time since the competition began 34 years ago, TNT Sports has chosen not to make [the fixture] available to watch freely for football fans in the UK. The Champions League is the most prestigious club football competition globally and holds great significance for fans in this country — the birthplace of football.”

A landmark occasion for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal secured their spot in the final after a thrilling victory over Atletico Madrid, marking the end of their 20-year wait to return to Europe’s top stage. Having just clinched their first Premier League title since 2004 earlier this week, the Gunners are aiming for a historic double. However, Starmer emphasised that his campaign for free access goes beyond his personal loyalty to the club.

Starmer explained: “I firmly believe that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, regardless of whether Arsenal are playing. Of course, I want as many fans as possible to witness our team in this historic final after two decades, but this is about more than club loyalty. It’s about football lovers across the nation — gathering in homes and pubs — sharing the experience of watching Europe’s finest players compete. Hard-working people shouldn’t have to pay extra just to enjoy a game of such importance.”

Broadcaster defends its subscription model

TNT Sports, which replaced BT Sport following its acquisition by Warner Bros Discovery, has chosen to discontinue the previous practice of streaming the final for free on YouTube. Instead, viewers are being directed to watch via HBO Max. While certain Sky customers can access the service at no additional cost, others must pay a monthly fee to tune in.

Responding to public criticism, TNT Sports issued a statement: “We’ve been privileged to deliver UEFA club competitions to fans across the UK this season. Having three Premier League clubs reach the finals underlines the strength of English football, and we’re proud to support that. We’ve made all three UEFA finals this year available from just £4.99 — the cost of a one-month HBO Max subscription that also includes excellent entertainment content. This offers exceptional value for fans to enjoy the conclusion of these competitions.”

Mounting pressure on governing bodies

Starmer’s latest appeal follows his earlier request for FIFA to address the issue of rising ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup. By targeting the Champions League final, he is drawing attention to the changing sports broadcasting environment, where finals involving clubs like Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have also been restricted to subscription platforms this season — a move that has frustrated supporters across the sporting community.

Concluding his message, Starmer wrote: “Our priority should be the fans. That’s why I’ve already urged FIFA to take steps to make tickets more affordable for this summer’s World Cup. Likewise, I now strongly encourage you to reconsider and make next Saturday’s final free-to-air for the millions of passionate football fans in our country.”