A new kick-off schedule for the UEFA Champions League final will come into play this weekend when Arsenal take on Paris Saint-Germain.

It has been a long time since the Gunners last featured in a Champions League final, and one of the biggest changes since then is the timing of the match itself. Two decades ago in Paris, Arsenal were defeated by Barcelona in a Wednesday evening final. However, since the 2009-10 season, UEFA has made it a tradition to stage the final on a Saturday night.

This adjustment was initially made to make the grand finale “more of a family occasion,” and now another modification – the new 5 PM BST start time for PSG vs Arsenal – aims to further enhance the fan experience.

Back in August, UEFA confirmed that starting from the 2025-26 season, the Champions League final kick-off would be moved forward from 8 PM BST to 5 PM BST.

According to UEFA, the decision to change the timing is intended to “enhance the matchday experience and benefit fans, teams, and host cities.”

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin explained: “With this change, we are placing the fans’ experience at the heart of our planning. The UEFA Champions League final is the highlight of the football season, and the new kick-off time will make it even more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for everyone involved. While a 21:00 CET kick-off works well for midweek matches, an earlier start on a Saturday allows for an earlier finish – even with extra time or penalties – giving fans the chance to enjoy the rest of their evening with friends and family, reflecting on the match of the season.”

This season’s Champions League final will take place in Budapest.

UEFA also released a statement emphasising: “Our goal is to make matchday a truly enjoyable experience for everyone who wants to be part of the excitement, while creating a welcoming environment that makes it easy for families and children to attend the biggest and most important club football match of the season.

For travelling supporters, it will mean better access to public transport – especially after the match – ensuring a safer and more convenient journey back from the stadium. For the host cities, it will enhance the economic benefits of the event by allowing fans to extend their celebrations. The new kick-off time also aligns with a more accessible broadcasting window, helping the final reach an even larger global television and digital audience, with a particular focus on younger viewers.”

In the United Kingdom, the PSG vs Arsenal clash will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. However, for the first time in the 34-year history of the competition, the final will not be available for free viewing in the UK.