TNT Sports has confirmed that European finals will no longer be available free-to-air, ending a tradition that saw the Champions League final broadcast without charge for 23 years on ITV. The decision comes after the broadcaster's rebranding from BT Sport under Warner Bros Discovery ownership, which has shifted the company's approach to premium content distribution.

Previously, BT Sport maintained free access by simultaneously streaming matches on YouTube through 2023. However, the transition to TNT Sports introduced subscription requirements through discovery+, which has since been replaced by HBO Max. Fans must now pay £4.99 for a monthly subscription to watch the Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League finals, though most Sky customers already receive HBO Max at no additional cost.

The change reflects broader shifts in sports broadcasting rights. From the 2027-28 season onward, TNT Sports will lose its European football rights entirely, with Paramount+ acquiring Champions League coverage and Sky Sports taking the Europa League and Conference League packages. BBC Sport will provide delayed highlights and radio commentary for the finals.

Warner Bros Discovery has been approached for comment regarding the subscription change, which marks the end of an era for accessible European football finals in the UK.