Illegal Sports Streaming in UK Soared 33% in First Half of 2025

Illegal sports streaming in the UK saw a 33% rise in the first half of 2025, according to a new report from data analytics firm Yield Sec. The top 10 unauthorized sites collectively garnered 1.6 billion views during the period, up from the previous year. This growth highlights a growing trend as fans seek out free or low-cost alternatives to traditional paid streaming platforms.

The surge is partly attributed to the increasing cost of subscriptions on legal platforms, which has led consumers to opt for unlicensed services. These sites are largely funded by advertising from unlicensed gambling operators, creating a symbiotic relationship between illegal streaming and gambling. Users are also exposed to unregulated gambling and cryptocurrency services through these platforms.

Yield Sec's report, conducted in part through undercover operations, counted only streams lasting longer than 90 seconds. The data reflects a broader shift in consumer behavior, with live sports moving behind paywalls and driving users toward pirated content. Despite the risks, a majority of UK users view the practice as socially acceptable.

Why Did the Growth Occur?

Rising subscription fees for legal sports platforms have been a key driver of the shift to pirated services. As live events become more exclusive and require more subscriptions, users are increasingly seeking frictionless and affordable alternatives. The affordability of illegal streaming, combined with easy access via mainstream social media, has made it a popular option for many.

The financial model of these sites is also significant. Illegal gambling operators and crypto services fund the platforms, making the content available for free or at low cost. This model creates a mutual benefit: users get free content, and advertisers gain access to a growing audience.

How Did the Industry React?

Sports leagues and rights holders have expressed concern over the rise in illegal streaming and its implications for revenue. Unlicensed platforms undermine the value of legal broadcasting rights and reduce the incentive for content providers to invest in high-quality coverage. Additionally, these sites pose risks to users, who may encounter malware or fraudulent gambling sites.

Industry experts argue that enforcement remains a challenge. While criminal prosecution or civil claims against viewers are rare in the UK, the proliferation of illegal sites continues. Authorities are focusing on targeting the operators of these platforms and the associated advertising networks.

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

Regulators and industry players are monitoring how the UK government addresses the illegal streaming ecosystem. The report suggests that a multi-pronged approach—combining enforcement, public awareness, and collaboration with advertisers—could be necessary to curb the growth of these platforms.

Analysts are also watching how the market responds to potential policy changes. If new measures are introduced to crack down on illegal streaming, it could lead to short-term volatility in the online streaming and gambling sectors. Long-term, a shift in consumer behavior may require more affordable and accessible legal alternatives.

Yield Sec's findings underscore the complexity of the issue. As technology evolves, the challenge of enforcing content rights will continue to grow. For now, the illegal streaming landscape remains a significant and growing concern for the sports and media industries.