Your Guide to Catching the Champions League Final: Free-to-Air Television Bows Out

A significant shift in Champions League viewing rights has arrived, and it's one that won't please everyone. The 2026 final—a clash between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain—will mark the first occasion the competition's showpiece has been kept behind a paywall across the UK, ending decades of free accessibility.

TNT Sports holds the broadcasting rights and has opted to make the game exclusive to its subscription tier, which carries a monthly fee of £32. The decision has drawn criticism from supporters accustomed to the channel occasionally releasing such marquee fixtures to a broader audience.

However, there is a path for those unwilling to commit to a full subscription. TNT Sports has partnered with Amazon Prime Video to offer the channel as a bolt-on addition. Prime members can attach TNT Sports for a single month at a reasonable cost, then cancel before the next billing cycle—essentially providing a one-off access option rather than an ongoing financial commitment.

New Prime subscribers can establish a complimentary membership before adding TNT Sports, making this the most straightforward route for casual viewers.

The final itself promises spectacle. Arsenal, managed by Mikel Arteta, chase their maiden Champions League crown, while PSG seek a second title following their demolition of Inter Milan—a 5-0 thrashing—last season.

The Gunners reached the final by overcoming Atletico Madrid in a taut semi-final encounter. PSG, meanwhile, dispatched Bayern Munich across two legs in a pulsating tie that delivered goals aplenty.

Both clubs have already secured their respective domestic championships, setting up an unprecedented meeting in the European Cup final between English and French opposition.

The Puskas Arena in Budapest will host proceedings on Saturday, 30 May, with the whistle blown at 5pm UK time. Pre-match coverage commences at 3pm, featuring analysis from Steven Gerrard, Owen Hargreaves, and Martin Keown.