Government moves to keep World Cup and other sporting crown jewels free on UK TV

The UK government is drawing up plans to ensure that the nation's most beloved sporting events – the 'crown jewels' – remain accessible to all, even as broadcasting shifts increasingly to streaming platforms. The proposed legislation would prevent live and catch-up rights for fixtures like the FIFA World Cup from being buried behind subscription paywalls, a move that could reshape how fans consume football and other sports.

What's being proposed

The new rules target streaming services that have begun snapping up exclusive rights to major tournaments. While the 'crown jewels' list – which includes the World Cup, the Olympics, Wimbledon, and the Grand National – has long been protected for free-to-air television, the legislation extends that guarantee to digital catch-up and on-demand viewing. That means if a streaming platform secures rights, it must still offer a free, non-paywalled option for UK audiences.

Why this matters for football fans

For supporters, this is a potential game-changer. The World Cup, in particular, is a fixture that unites the country every four years. Without this protection, a future tournament could end up exclusively on a subscription service, leaving millions unable to watch live matches or replays. The proposal ensures that the knockout stages and group-stage drama remain accessible to everyone with a TV or internet connection – no extra cost required.

Likely implications and what's next

The move puts pressure on streaming giants like Amazon Prime, which has previously aired Premier League matches, and DAZN, which holds rights to various competitions. They may need to adjust their business models to offer free tiers for listed events. However, the legislation is still in draft form, and the exact list of events and definition of 'free' will be hotly debated. For now, fans can breathe a sigh of relief: the crown jewels will stay in the public domain, at least for the foreseeable future.