For the first time since the Champions League began in 1992, fans will need a subscription to watch the finals. TNT Sports will not make the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals free-to-air.
UEFA’s Disappointment and Broadcasting Rights
UEFA is reportedly disappointed with this decision. They had argued that the finals should remain free-to-air. The decision about how to show the games ultimately rests with the rights holder.
End of an Era: Subscription Required
The Champions League final had been free on ITV for 23 years. This lasted until BT Sport acquired the rights, beginning with the 2015-16 season. BT Sport continued to make the finals available without a subscription through to 2023, broadcasting simultaneously on its YouTube channel.
After Warner Bros Discovery bought BT Sport and rebranded it as TNT Sports, this changed. While the finals remained available without cost, fans needed to sign up for a discovery+ account to get access. Discovery+ has since been replaced by Warner Bros Discovery’s new streaming service, HBO Max, which has no free option.
Fans will not need a full TNT Sports subscription. They can instead sign up for HBO Max for one month to watch all three matches. The cheapest subscription starts at £4.99. Most Sky customers already get HBO Max at no extra cost.
Future Broadcasting Changes
TNT Sports will lose its European rights from 2027-28. Paramount+ has picked up the Champions League. The Europa League and the Conference League will move to Sky Sports.
BBC to Provide Highlights and Commentary
Highlights of the Champions League final will be available on the BBC Sport website and across social media channels 15 minutes after the trophy lift. They will also be available on BBC iPlayer and television later in the evening. Live commentary of all three finals will be on BBC Radio 5 Live.
There will also be a Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One on Wednesday, from 22:40 to 00:00.
Watch highlights of every Champions League game from 22:00 on Wednesday on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
English Clubs in the Finals
The three showpiece events will all feature English clubs. Aston Villa meet Freiburg in the Europa League on Wednesday (20:00 BST). Crystal Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League on 27 May (20:00 BST). Arsenal take on Paris St-Germain in the Champions League on 30 May (17:00 BST).
Six years ago, the government rejected a House of Lords select committee proposal to add the Champions League final to the list of “crown jewels” events. This would have ensured it would always be free-to-air.
Warner Bros Discovery has been approached for comment.