UK netflix users could face £1,000 fine over live WWE streams
From the early hours of Saturday, Netflix users across the UK may find themselves at risk of facing a hefty fine of up to £1,000 if they watch live broadcasts of WWE programming on the platform without a valid TV licence.
The streaming giant recently acquired the rights to air WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) events, including its flagship shows monday night raw and friday night smackdown, as well as premium live events such as wrestlemania, royal rumble, and survivor series. While these additions are set to thrill wrestling fans, legal experts have issued a stark warning regarding the rules around live broadcasts in the UK.
Live viewing requires a TV licence
Under UK law, a TV licence is required to watch any live broadcast, irrespective of the platform being used. This means that whether viewers access live content on traditional TV, netflix, or any other streaming service, they must have a valid licence.
Daniel McAfee, head of legal operations at lawhive, explained:
“For standard, on-demand content such as TV series, films, or other non-live programming on Netflix, a TV licence is not required. However, under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform.”
Failure to comply with this legal requirement could result in fines of up to £1,000. In Guernsey, the penalty is even higher, rising to £2,000.
WWE’s new schedule on netflix
The second edition of WWE monday night raw aired live on netflix at 1am GMT (8pm EST) in the early hours of Tuesday morning, running until 4am. Fans were able to watch the show live as part of their Netflix subscription, without any additional cost. However, viewers without a TV licence who tuned in live risked falling foul of the law.
The show featured an exciting line-up, including chad gable’s highly anticipated match against Penta, who was making his WWE debut following a move from rival promotion AEW. Other matches included a dramatic Street Fight between Damian Priest and Finn Balor, former members of the Judgement Day faction, and a clash between Sheamus and Ludwig Kaiser. The night also saw the conclusion of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship Tournament, a major highlight for wrestling fans.
In addition to monday night raw, friday night smackdown airs live on Saturday mornings UK time. Netflix will also broadcast developmental show NXT and major WWE events such as Summerslam, Elimination Chamber, and Crown Jewel, the latter being hosted from Saudi Arabia.
Viewers advised to check compliance
The addition of live WWE content marks a significant expansion of netflix’s offerings, catering to a growing audience of wrestling enthusiasts. However, the legal implications of live viewing have caused concern among some subscribers.
A spokesperson for netflix reminded users:
“Our service offers a mix of on-demand and live content. For live programming, it is the responsibility of the viewer to ensure they have the appropriate permissions, including any required licences.”
This clarification underscores the importance of understanding the rules around live broadcasts, particularly for those unaware that live streaming on platforms like Netflix falls under the same legal requirements as watching live television.
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How to stay compliant
To avoid fines, UK viewers should ensure they have a valid TV licence if they plan to watch any live WWE programming on netflix. Those who prefer to avoid the additional cost can still enjoy WWE content by catching up on-demand after the live broadcast, as TV licences are not required for non-live streaming.
The rules serve as a reminder of the evolving complexities surrounding streaming services, as platforms like netflix increasingly incorporate live content alongside traditional on-demand offerings. For WWE fans, the new partnership with Netflix opens up exciting possibilities, but only for those mindful of the legal obligations that come with it.
As WWE’s presence on netflix grows, users are advised to stay informed and ensure they remain on the right side of the law. Failure to do so could turn an evening of wrestling entertainment into a costly mistake.
