Champions League: Final not broadcast on free TV in England, a first since 1992

Comme en 2025, c’est M6 qui retransmettra la finale de C1 en France – tout comme Canal+, détenteur de…

Can you imagine being deprived of the Champions League final for free, this eagerly anticipated PSG vs. Arsenal match next week? Apparently, with its range of protected sporting events, France is safe from the misadventure that has befallen our English counterparts, but for how long? Even if a Premier League club is involved, for the first time since 2023 and Manchester City’s victory over Inter Milan (1-0), nothing will change: the C1 final will only be broadcast on a paid channel across the Channel, which has never happened before for the Champions League (formerly the European Cup) and its inaugural final in 1993.

Le Tournoi des Six nations également concerné, entre autres

In this case, it is TNT Sports that is changing its strategy for this season. Indeed, this media outlet previously allowed free-to-air broadcasts for previous editions, but was not obligated to. This differs from France, where the Champions League final is part of the list of events, unlike the United Kingdom, where it also exists… but without the grand European final. There you can find all the World Cup matches and the Euros – unlike in France – the Olympics, or even the Rugby World Cup final. But not the English national team’s qualifiers in football (World Cup or Euros) or the Six Nations in rugby, which also sparks controversy. These events are also protected in France, as well as the Tour de France or the Roland Garros finals (with no obligation for the rest of the tournament).

At TNT Sports, PSG vs. Arsenal is included in the monthly subscription of around 37 euros (31.99 pounds), and it goes even further despite the exceptional performances of English clubs, as all three European finals are affected, each involving a Premier League team (Aston Villa – Freiburg on Wednesday in the Europa League, Crystal Palace – Rayo Vallecano the following Wednesday in the Conference League). Fortunately, HBO Max also holds the rights, and subscriptions start at just under six euros per month. But apparently, there is no choice, commitment is also required.