Showbiz

Urgent Disney+ warning as users face an eye-watering £1k fine if they fail to follow little-known streaming rule – but are YOU at risk?

Urgent Disney+ warning as users face an eye-watering £1k fine if they fail to follow little-known streaming rule – but are YOU at risk?

Simply watching one of the latest Disney+ steaming offerings could land users in H๏τ water if they don’t take precautions.

Sports fans are in luck this year, as Disney has acquired the rights to brand new footie coverage – but there is a catch.

Disney+ has bagged the rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League across Europe for the next season.

The tournament will be screened on Disney+ for the next five years to come, from the 25/26 season to 29/30.

From October, Disney+ subscribers will be able to stream every match, and they’ll be no additional cost to the monthly subscription fee, provided they have a TV license.

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Simply watching one of the latest Disney+ steaming offerings could land users in H๏τ water if they don't take precautions

Simply watching one of the latest Disney+ steaming offerings could land users in H๏τ water if they don’t take precautions

Disney+ has acquired the rights to the UEFA Women's Champions League across Europe for the next season

Disney+ has acquired the rights to the UEFA Women’s Champions League across Europe for the next season

Even though the matches will be broadcast through a prepaid streaming service, a license is still necessary in order to view live television.

If viewers are caught watching live content without a TV licence, they could be fined up to a hefty £1,000.

Read More Millions of Netflix users could face an eye-watering £1,000 fine for using new feature article image

The majority of Disney+ content has retained its exemption from the license fee – as long as it isn’t broadcasted live.

Disney announced this exciting new addition to their streaming platform at the end of May.

‘Disney+ will be the home of the UEFA Women’s Champions League across Europe from next season, allowing fans to watch every match live at no extra cost.’, the stated

This development ‘follows a five-year deal in which The Walt Disney Company has secured live rights to the compeтιтion from 2025/26 to 2029/30,’ noted the streaming service.

‘As the only place fans can watch all live matches in the compeтιтion, coverage on Disney+ will launch in October 2025, marking a new era for the UEFA Women’s Champions League with the introduction of the 18-team League phase format.’

Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA, stated: ‘The UEFA Women’s Champions League is the very best in football performance, dedication, and pᴀssion.’

From October, Disney+ subscribers will be able to stream every match, and they'll be no additional cost to the monthly subscription fee, provided they have a TV license

From October, Disney+ subscribers will be able to stream every match, and they’ll be no additional cost to the monthly subscription fee, provided they have a TV license

If viewers are caught watching live content without a TV licence, they could be fined up to a hefty £1,000

If viewers are caught watching live content without a TV licence, they could be fined up to a hefty £1,000

‘Bringing this incredible tournament to Disney+ customers and audiences speaks to our commitment to delivering a huge range of bold and dynamic entertainment.’

‘As women’s football continues to grow with audiences worldwide, we’re proud to offer the thrill and excitement of every single match to Disney+ customers across Europe, at no extra cost.’

It’s unusual for streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video or Disney+ Plus to require a TV license from customers.

But TV Licensing explains, ‘You need to be covered by a TV Licence to watch live on streaming services – such as ITVX, Channel 4, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Now, Sky Go, Netflix and Freely.’

The cost of a TV Licence recently increased from £169.50 to £174.50 per year on April 1st.

Streaming giants are increasingly investing down the avenue of live production with Netflix’s recent event ‘Tudum LIVE’ being streamed in real time exclusively on Netflix.

The show – named after the sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie – is described as ‘Netflix’s biggest fan party’, and featured several live performances on May 31. 

However, while fans may have been excited to watch the show in real-time, doing so could land you with a hefty fine.

Streaming giants are increasingly investing down the avenue of live production with Netflix's recent event 'Tudum LIVE' being streamed in real time exclusively on Netflix

Streaming giants are increasingly investing down the avenue of live production with Netflix’s recent event ‘Tudum LIVE’ being streamed in real time exclusively on Netflix 

The show - named after the sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie - is described as 'Netflix's biggest fan party', and featured several live performances on May 31

The show – named after the sound that plays at the start of every Netflix movie – is described as ‘Netflix’s biggest fan party’, and featured several live performances on May 31 

The problem is that you still need a TV Licence to watch live shows – even if they are being shown on a streaming service like Netflix.

At a newly-increased price of £174.50, paying for a TV Licence isn’t cheap. However, it is still a lot less than the fine you might face for not having one.

‘Not paying for a TV Licence could lead to a £1,000 fine if we find that you have been watching, recording or downloading programmes illegally,’ TV Licensing explains on its website.

‘The maximum fine is £2,000 in Guernsey. Plus any legal costs and/or compensation you may be ordered to pay.’

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