TNT Sports has reportedly irritated UEFA by deciding not to broadcast the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals on free-to-air television in the United Kingdom. This move means Aston Villa supporters will need to pay a subscription to watch the Europa League final.
Broadcasting Decision Sparks Controversy
The decision has frustrated UEFA, as the broadcaster puts all three European finals behind a paywall despite English clubs competing for a historic treble of continental trophies. Aston Villa will face Freiburg in the Europa League final on Wednesday, aiming for their first silverware since 1996. A week later, Crystal Palace takes on Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final, seeking the club's first-ever European honor. Meanwhile, Arsenal meets reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 30 in Budapest, chasing their maiden triumph in Europe's premier club competition.
According to the Guardian, none of these matches will be accessible on free-to-air television in the UK. This marks the first time since the Champions League's modern rebrand 34 years ago that British viewers cannot watch the showpiece without a subscription.
Subscription Costs and Accessibility
Fresh subscribers can access the finals via the most affordable HBO Max package priced at £4.99, while TNT Sports is available at £31.99 monthly on most platforms. Previously, Champions League finals were shown live on ITV, which held exclusive broadcasting rights from the competition's rebrand in 1992 through to 2003, before sharing coverage with Sky Sports until 2015. BT Sport secured UEFA rights from the 2015/16 campaign and made European finals freely accessible via YouTube streaming. Following its rebrand to TNT Sports, finals remained free-to-view for registered users of its sister platform discovery+ after inheriting the broadcasting deal two years ago. However, TNT Sports is no longer accessible through discovery+ since WBD rolled out HBO Max in Britain this March. Looking ahead to 2027, broadcasting rights will transfer again, with Paramount having secured a four-year deal to screen matches across the UK.
UEFA's Frustration
The broadcaster's choice not to offer the European finals without charge has reportedly caused frustration at UEFA. According to the Guardian, this decision appears to break the spirit of a contract that states "best endeavours" should be made to ensure the finals are available for free. TNT Sports and WBD have been contacted for comment.
