Starmer urges free access for Champions League final
Sir Keir Starmer has publicly criticised the decision to place the Champions League final behind a paywall, making a direct appeal to broadcasters to reconsider. The UK Prime Minister, who is known to support Arsenal, reportedly contacted TNT Sports executives to express concern that the final would no longer be freely available to viewers in Britain for the first time since the competition’s 1992 rebrand.
In his letter, Starmer 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. 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."
Arsenal’s European return adds to the significance
Arsenal booked their place in the final after overcoming Atletico Madrid in dramatic fashion, marking their first appearance in Europe’s biggest club match in two decades. Fresh off securing their first Premier League title since 2004, Mikel Arteta’s side are now chasing a memorable domestic and European double.
Despite his Arsenal connections, Starmer stressed that the issue extends beyond club loyalties and concerns football supporters across the country. He stated: "I am a firm believer that the final of this competition should remain free to watch, whether Arsenal have made it or not. Obviously, I want as many fellow fans as possible to be able to watch our team in this historic final for the first time in 20 years. However, this is bigger than that."
He continued: "This is about supporters of all teams coming together in living rooms and pubs in every corner of the country to watch the most elite players in Europe battle it out. Hard-working people should not have to worry about forking out for a subscription to watch a game of this magnitude."
TNT Sports stands by new broadcast approach
TNT Sports, formerly BT Sport following its takeover by Warner Bros Discovery, has chosen not to continue the previous practice of streaming the final for free via YouTube. Instead, supporters are being directed to the HBO Max platform, where access now requires a subscription for many viewers.
In response to criticism, TNT Sports defended its pricing structure and broader coverage of UEFA competitions. The broadcaster said: "It has been a privilege to bring Uefa club competitions to sports fans across the UK throughout the season. Having three Premier League clubs reach the finals shows the strength of English football and something that we are proud to continue to support."
The statement added: "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. This represents exceptional value for fans to watch the conclusion of the competitions."
Growing debate over accessibility in major sport
Starmer’s comments also tie into broader concerns surrounding affordability and fan access in global sport. His intervention follows earlier calls for FIFA to improve ticket affordability ahead of the upcoming World Cup, reflecting wider frustration over the increasing cost of watching major events.
Closing his letter, Starmer renewed his appeal for supporters to be prioritised over commercial interests. He wrote: "We should be putting supporters first. That is why I have already encouraged Fifa to do more to make tickets more affordable at this summer's World Cup. That is also why I want to strongly urge you to reconsider and make the final next Saturday free to watch for the millions of passionate football fans in this country."
