Keir Starmer has written to TNT Sports demanding the Champions League final be made free to watch. The row sits over Arsenal's first final in 20 years, with the club due to face Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on May 30. Starmer said it is the first time in 34 years the final will not be free to watch in the UK, while TNT says its £4.99 package gives fans access to all three UEFA finals.

Why Starmer is pushing back

Starmer's case is simple enough. He says hard-working people should not have to pay to watch a game of this size, and that the final should remain free whether Arsenal are involved or not. He also framed it as a wider national moment, saying supporters of all teams should be able to come together to watch the best players in Europe.

TNT's response was just as direct. A spokesperson said it has been a privilege to bring UEFA club competitions to fans across the UK, pointed to the fact that three Premier League clubs reached European finals, and said the three finals are available from £4.99. That is the basic split here: Starmer is arguing for universal access, while TNT is defending the package as value.

What makes Arsenal's final such a big draw

There is a football reason this has become so noisy. Arsenal have won all 8 of their Champions League matches this campaign and scored 23 goals in those games. They are also top of the Premier League, and their final against Paris Saint-Germain gives the access row a bigger audience than most broadcaster disputes ever get.

The broader English angle is hard to miss either. Three Premier League clubs reached European finals, with Arsenal in the Champions League, Aston Villa in the Europa League and Crystal Palace in the Conference League. Arsenal have never won the Champions League, which only sharpens the attention around the Budapest final. If TNT wants to sell the £4.99 offer as strong value, it can point to all three finals. If Starmer wants to press the public-interest argument, this is the kind of match that makes his case loudly enough.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →