In 2008, a peak UK television audience of 14.6 million watched Manchester United beat Chelsea on penalties in Moscow. The Champions League final was broadcast on ITV, who would hold the rights for another eight years until non-terrestrial broadcasters took the competition away.
In 2024 and 2025, TNT Sport’s viewing figures for the Champions League finals were roughly 2.5 million. Even accounting for the significant decline when English teams are not present, European football’s showpiece event has dropped off the radar of the masses. You can tell as much during its vast group stage.
But at least then everybody had the chance. For the first time since the Champions League rebrand in 1992, this year’s Champions League final will not be available to watch for free in the UK. Just like that, another drop of fan power evaporated in favour of an attempted money grab.
Uefa dictate that some attempt must be made to provide free-to-air coverage and there is reported annoyance within the governing body that TNT Sports have not acquiesced to this requirement, as they have previously. We are entering the final year of the TNT Sports contract before Paramount takes over, which may be relevant. Who cares who you annoy now.
