Expect Increased Viewership for Champions League Final Despite Lack of Free-to-Air Coverage

Excitement is building for this year’s Champions League final, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain set to face off at the Puskas Arena in Budapest. Despite some controversy over the decision not to offer the game for free on TNT Sport, fans in the UK are expected to tune in at record numbers.

In the past two seasons, about 1 million viewers watched the final for free on TNT’s streaming service, discovery+. This year, HBO Max will be broadcasting the final alongside TNT Sports, and with over 10 million households in the UK having access to HBO Max, the potential viewership is looking promising.

The presence of an English club in the final for the first time in three years is also expected to boost viewership. TNT’s viewing figures for the 2024 and 2025 finals were around 2.5 million, and this year’s final is anticipated to surpass that number.

While some have criticized TNT’s decision to charge for the final after streaming it for free in previous years, Uefa is reportedly satisfied with the move as it is expected to attract a larger audience. HBO Max has gained millions of subscribers since its UK launch in March, and with partnerships with Sky Sports and Amazon Prime, its reach extends to over 10 million households.

Despite the mixed reception to the pay-per-view format, many are calling for major sporting events like the Champions League final to be accessible to all viewers. Labour MP Jon Trickett voiced his support for free-to-watch sports finals on UK television, urging the government to take action for future events.

As the anticipation builds for this highly anticipated match, all eyes will be on the Puskas Arena in Budapest for what is sure to be an unforgettable Champions League final.