The Rising Cost of Watching Football: A Deep Dive into UK and US Subscriptions in 2025
The landscape of watching live football has never been more accessible, yet it has also become increasingly complicated and costly. With the Premier League standing as the most-watched sports league worldwide, accessible in over 180 countries, fans in both the United Kingdom and the United States are faced with a growing list of expenses as they seek to enjoy the beautiful game from home.
Amid an ongoing cost of living crisis, many fans are reevaluating their viewing options, leading to a notable increase in illegal streaming activities. Recent reports indicate that nearly five million people in the UK—approximately nine percent of the adult population—resorted to illegal streaming methods from April to October 2025.
Tom Greatrex, chairman of the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA), highlighted the financial strain on fans. “Match tickets, travel expenses, and subscription fees are pushing people to breaking point,” he said. “What has always been a very accessible spectator sport is becoming prohibitively expensive for many.”
The Financial Breakdown
In the UK, the journey to watching live football begins with a mandatory TV Licence, costing £174.50 ($231) annually or £14.54 ($19) monthly. This licence is required for those wishing to watch or record live broadcasts, and without it, the penalty can be as much as £1,000 ($1,314). Although streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video do not require a licence, football fans face additional fees once they switch on their TVs.
To access Premier League action, fans must subscribe to Sky Sports, which broadcasts at least 215 live matches during the 2025-26 season. A rolling monthly subscription for Sky costs £25, requiring an additional £25 for the Sky Sports package, bringing total costs to £50 ($66) each month. For further Premier League matches, fans will also need a TNT Sports subscription priced at £30.99 ($41) a month. This results in an eye-watering expense of over £80 ($105) monthly for comprehensive football coverage.
In comparison, viewers in the U.S. enjoy the convenience of NBC Sports, which holds the exclusive rights to all 380 Premier League matches. For a monthly fee of $10.99 (£8), fans can access every game without blackout restrictions.
Competing Streaming Services
Champions League enthusiasts in the UK must also invest in a TNT Sports subscription, along with an Amazon Prime membership for access to select matches. In the U.S., CBS and Paramount+ offer comprehensive coverage at $7.99 (£6) per month, including every UEFA match.
MLS coverage this season has also seen a shift, as viewers are required to subscribe to Apple TV’s MLS season pass. However, starting in 2026, MLS will become available through a new bundle deal that includes Apple TV and Peacock, costing $14.99 (£11) monthly.
With the rise of multiple platforms for different leagues—DAZN for Serie A, ESPN Select for La Liga, and beIN SPORTS for Ligue 1—fans watching in both regions face increasingly fragmented viewing options.
The Growing Appeal of Illegal Streaming
As costs continue to climb, the temptation of illegal streaming remains strong. Greatrex stated, “If things were priced more appropriately, perhaps it wouldn’t be such a significant issue.” Calls for a reevaluation of pricing models have surfaced, with experts suggesting that a monopolistic approach—where one provider offers all sports—could simplify access and reduce illegal streaming temptations.
However, with broadcasters investing large sums to secure rights, subscription models are here to stay. The ever-fractured nature of football broadcasting is likely to remain an ongoing challenge. As debates about viewing costs continue, illegal streaming could become an entrenched alternative for fans struggling to keep up with the rising prices.
