So you're trying to catch every Arsenal match this season, but you keep running into the same problem: you sit down, turn on the telly, and either can't find the game or realize it's not being broadcast at all. It's a frustrating feeling, especially when you've cleared your schedule for a big clash against Spurs or a Champions League night at the Emirates. Let's sort this out properly.
The reality is that Arsenal's matches are spread across several broadcasters in the UK, and the channel depends entirely on the competition and the specific TV rights deals. Premier League games are split between Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video, while FA Cup and Carabao Cup ties are on BBC or ITV. Champions League fixtures are exclusively on TNT Sports. But knowing that isn't enough when you're staring at a blank screen.
Why Can't I Find the Arsenal Match on TV?
This is the most common issue fans face, and it usually comes down to one of these three problems:
Problem 1: The match isn't being broadcast live in the UK. Under Premier League rules, matches scheduled for Saturday at 3pm cannot be shown live on UK television. This is the infamous "3pm blackout," designed to protect attendances at lower-league games. If Arsenal are playing at home on a Saturday at 3pm, you won't find it on any UK channel.
Problem 2: You're looking on the wrong channel or platform. Each broadcaster has its own set of matches. Sky Sports typically shows the early Saturday and late Sunday games, while TNT Sports covers midweek rounds and some Sunday fixtures. Amazon Prime Video has a dedicated round in December. If you only have Sky, you'll miss the TNT games.
Problem 3: Your subscription doesn't include the right package. Even within a broadcaster, not all packages are equal. Sky Sports has separate channels for Premier League, Football, and Action. TNT Sports requires a specific add-on. You might have a basic subscription that doesn't cover the channel showing the game.
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Check the Official Fixture List First
Before you do anything else, head to our Arsenal fixtures and results page. This is your single source of truth. Every match is listed with the date, time, competition, and—crucially—the broadcaster. Bookmark it. Check it at the start of each week.
2. Verify Your Broadcaster Access
Once you know which channel is showing the match, confirm you can actually watch it:
- Sky Sports: Check you have a Sky Sports subscription, not just a basic Sky TV package. You need at least the Sky Sports Premier League channel for league games.
- TNT Sports: This is an add-on through Sky, Virgin Media, or BT. If you don't see TNT Sports in your channel list, you'll need to upgrade.
- Amazon Prime Video: You need an active Prime membership. The matches are included at no extra cost, but you must log in to Prime Video.
- BBC or ITV: Free-to-air. Just tune in to BBC One or ITV on the night.
3. Use the Official Broadcaster Apps
Even if you have the right subscription, sometimes the channel doesn't appear on your EPG. This happens with TNT Sports on certain Sky boxes. The fix is simple: download the broadcaster's app (Sky Go, TNT Sports app, or Amazon Prime Video app) and log in with your provider credentials. You can stream the match live through the app on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
4. Set a Reminder
Once you've confirmed the match is on your chosen platform, set a reminder. Both Sky and TNT apps allow you to "record" or "remind" for upcoming fixtures. This saves you scrambling at kick-off time.
When the Match Isn't on TV at All
If the match falls under the 3pm blackout or simply isn't selected for broadcast by any UK rights holder, you have limited options. You cannot legally watch it live in the UK. Here's what you can do:
- Listen to live commentary: BBC Radio 5 Live and talkSPORT have rights to broadcast commentary for all Premier League matches. You can listen via the BBC Sounds app or the talkSPORT website.
- Follow live text updates: Our premier league fixtures page provides real-time text updates, goal alerts, and key moments.
- Watch highlights: Match of the Day on BBC One (Saturday evenings) shows extended highlights of all Premier League games. You can also catch highlights on Sky Sports' YouTube channel or the official Arsenal website shortly after full-time.
When You Need a Specialist
Most issues are solvable with the steps above, but there are times when you need to escalate:
- Technical issues with your set-top box: If you have the right subscription but the channel won't load or the picture is freezing, contact your provider's technical support. This is usually a signal or box issue.
- Billing or account problems: If you've upgraded but the channel still isn't showing, your payment may not have processed. Contact your provider's billing team.
- Regional restrictions: If you're using a VPN or are temporarily abroad, UK broadcasters will block your stream. This is a terms-of-service issue, not a technical glitch. You'll need to disable the VPN or find a legitimate local broadcaster.
Planning Ahead for Away Fixtures
Away games can be trickier because broadcasters often select the "bigger" fixtures for TV. If you're following Arsenal on the road, check our Arsenal away fixtures guide for specific broadcast details. Some away matches, especially in the Champions League, are only available on TNT Sports, which not every fan has.
Final Checklist for Match Day
Here's a quick run-through before kick-off:
- Check the fixture on our fixtures page for the broadcaster.
- Confirm your subscription includes that channel.
- Log in to the broadcaster's app as a backup.
- Set a reminder or recording.
- Have a backup plan (radio or text updates) for 3pm blackout games.
And remember: no single subscription covers every Arsenal match. You'll likely need at least Sky Sports and TNT Sports to see the majority of games, with Amazon Prime Video covering the December round. It's not cheap, but for a full season of the Gunners, it's the only way to watch legally from your living room.
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