Need to know
Get the low-down on why this year's Champions League final has broken from tradition with a new kick-off time
A view of the match shirts of PSG and Arsenal ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal at the Puskas Arena
Saturday's kick-off time has been moved as Champions League history is made(Image: Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
All you need to know about Champions League kick-off time switch:
Breaking decades of tradition: For nearly 30 years, the Champions League final has been synonymous with an 8pm UK kick-off to anchor the prestigious Saturday night primetime television slot. This year, the move to 5pm represents one of the most radical scheduling changes in UEFA history, breaking from a routine that was originally designed to maximise European evening viewership and sponsorship revenue.
Prioritising fan logistics and safety: UEFA noted the earlier start is specifically designed to "enhance the overall matchday experience" by optimising logistics and making it easier for travelling supporters to navigate Budapest’s infrastructure. By starting the match earlier, fans can access public transport more effectively after the final whistle, ensuring a safer and more convenient journey back to their accommodation or the airport.
Welcoming families and younger audiences: One of the primary drivers behind the change is a desire to make the event more inclusive for families and children who often struggle with the midnight finishes of the previous 8pm slot. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin emphasised this focus on the next generation, saying the new time creates "a welcoming atmosphere that makes it easy for families and children to attend" the biggest club match of the season.
Expanding global broadcaster reach: The 5pm UK start time aligns with a more "accessible broadcasting window" that allows UEFA to capture a massive global audience across various time zones, particularly in Asian and North American markets. By moving the game forward, the final becomes a "teatime" event in Europe, a midday spectacle in the Americas, and a late-evening show in Asia, significantly boosting its worldwide digital and television impact.
Managing match duration and extra-time: Historically, a late kick-off meant matches going into extra time or a penalty shootout would not conclude until well after 11pm local time, often causing chaos for stadium operations. Moving the game to 6pm CEST ensures even with a lengthy trophy ceremony and any potential overtime, the event finishes early enough for fans to avoid the logistical "dead zone" of the early morning hours.
Boosting the host city’s economic impact: An earlier finish is expected to provide a significant economic boost to Budapest by encouraging fans to spend their evening celebrating in the city's restaurants and bars. UEFA explained this gives supporters the "possibility to continue their celebrations" throughout the evening, ensuring the final's positive financial footprint extends well beyond the confines of the Puskas Arena.
Transitioning from midweek to weekend logic: While the 8pm slot remains the gold standard for midweek fixtures to allow fans to get home from work, UEFA argues the Saturday final warrants its own unique scheduling . The organisation said that while a late start is "well suited for midweek matches," a Saturday final deserves a slot that allows supporters to "enjoy the rest of the evening with friends and family," regardless of the result.
Strategic shift toward inclusivity: This decision is part of a broader UEFA strategy to modernise the competition and place "the fans' experience at the heart of planning." By moving the kick-off to 5pm UK time, officials believe they are making the Champions League "more accessible, inclusive, and impactful" for everyone involved, from the fans in the stands to the millions watching on digital platforms worldwide.
Watch the UEFA Champions League final on HBO Max
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image