The Athletic FC Podcast The Underground World of Illegal Streaming
35 snips
Nov 9, 2025 Delve into the underground world of illegal streaming and its impact on football. Discover how millions gravitate toward cheaper, pirated options and the legal risks involved. Hear about police raids targeting piracy networks and how organized crime is interlinked with these activities. Learn about methods pirates use to capture live feeds and the evolving battle against them. Could innovative broadcasting models like 'Premflix' lure fans away from illegal streams? Explore the murky waters of cyber risk and consumer attitudes while questioning the future of sports broadcasting.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Piracy Is A Layered, Consumer-Driven Problem
- Illegal streaming is layered and widespread, enabled by cheap devices and modified apps that bypass rights holders.
- Consumers often choose piracy for cost and convenience rather than hostility to paywalls.
Hard Numbers Reveal Wide Usage
- YouGovSport found 9% of UK adults used illegal streams in six months, plus another 9% unsure or unwilling to say.
- Top methods were websites, modified sticks/IPTVs, and social media streams, showing scale and device diversity.
Live Sport Loses Value Fast
- Sports piracy threatens live sports uniquely because broadcasts lose commercial value once a match ends.
- The Premier League views piracy as a serious threat to billions in potential revenue.