Disney+ users are at risk of a big fine if they don’t follow this one rule.
For the next five years, the streaming platform will possess the broadcasting rights for the UEFA Women’s Champions League across Europe, as announced last month.
However, if football fans wish to tune in, they’ll have to check one key detail.
From October, Disney+ subscribers will be able to stream every match.
There’ll be no additional cost to their monthly fee, provided they have a TV licence.
Even though you are not watching the games on channels such as BBC, a licence is still required when viewing live television.
Yes, even on Disney+.
If you are caught streaming live content without a licence, you could receive an unwelcome £1,000 fine.
Don’t worry, these restrictions won’t impact the rest of the Disney+ experience, as on-demand content – aka, not live – can still be viewed without a TV licence and for no extra cost.
Making the announcement at the end of May, Disney+ said: ‘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.’
They explained that this ‘follows a five-year deal in which The Walt Disney Company has secured live rights to the competition from 2025/26 to 2029/30.’
‘As the only place fans can watch all live matches in the competition, 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,’ explained the streamer.
‘Bringing more excitement, unpredictability and bigger clashes from the League phase through to the 2026 Final at Ullevaal Stadion, Oslo, all 75 matches in the competition will be live streamed on Disney+.’
Karl Holmes, General Manager, Disney+ EMEA, commented: ‘The UEFA Women’s Champions League is the very best in football performance, dedication, and passion.
‘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.’
More streaming giants have acquired the rights to live broadcasts in recent years, though, meaning it’s essential you check you can take part in the fun without being stung.
For example, in March, Netflix subscribers were given a warning ahead of the premiere of Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney.
Marking the streamer’s first-ever late-night talk show, it aired live from the US with the comedian at the helm, with viewers needing a TV licence to watch without the risk of repercussions.
Similarly, Netflix recently acquired the rights to the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight, plus several WWE shows.
At the time, the rules were reiterated.
A spokesperson said: ‘A TV licence is needed to watch live content on streaming services, watch or record a TV programme on any channel, and when using BBC iPlayer.
‘Further information is available on the TV licensing website or via the customer services team, who can help with any queries.’
As for how much a TV licence sets you back, the figure increased on April 1.
This took the total from £169.50 to £174.50, which you can either pay in monthly instalments of £14.12 or pay in one go.
The price change was set by the government, and the raise was confirmed last November by the Secretary of State.
This money is used to pay for eight national TV channels plus regional TV services, BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, 56 radio stations, the BBC website, BBC World Service, and BBC apps.
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