Disney+ viewers risk £1,000 BBC TV Licence fine amid new deal

Usually, if you are watching streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ or Amazon Prime you do not require a TV licence.
However, household in the UK is legally required to have a TV licence if they watch or record live TV, regardless of what channel it is on.
Disney+ viewers risk £1,000 fine for watching live content
Disney+ announced last month it had won the broadcasting rights to the UEFA Women's Champions League until 2030.
This new deal will allow fans to watch every match live "at no extra cost".
Powerful, fearless, determined and unstoppable 🏆
The UEFA Women's Champions League is coming to Disney+ #UWCL || @DisneyPlusUK pic.twitter.com/VIzmegwKsb — UEFA Women's Champions League (@UWCL) May 23, 2025
However, those hoping to watch the UEFA Women's Champions League on Disney+ will need to be careful of TV Licensing rules.
The BBC confirmed to Cord Busters last year that viewers will need to purchase a TV Licence if they are to watch live events on streaming platforms.
If viewers are caught watching live content without a TV licence, they could be fined up to £1,000.
The majority of Disney+ content remains exempt from the TV Licence fee, as long as it is not being broadcast live.
These are the occasions when you do not need a TV Licence.
Do I need a TV Licence?
You do not need a TV Licence to watch:
Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+
On-demand TV through services like All 4 and Amazon Prime Video
Videos on websites like YouTube
Videos or DVDs
You do need a TV Licence if you:
Watch or record live TV on any channel or service
Use BBC iPlayer
TV Licence explained
Are you eligible for a free TV Licence?
For those aged 75 or over who are in receipt of Pension Credit, the TV Licence can be obtained for free rather than costing £174.50.
Guidance provided by TV Licensing says: 'Free TV Licences are only available if you're 75 or over and you, or your partner living at the same address, are receiving Pension Credit.
'If you think you're eligible for a free licence but can't apply online, please call 0300 790 6117* and speak to one of our advisors to request an application form (our lines are open between 8.30am and 6.30pm, from Monday to Friday).
'Once we've received your application it may take a few weeks to process. If there are any problems we'll write to let you know. We may also call you if you have given us your phone number.
'There are separate arrangements in place for over 75s on the Isle of Man, the Bailiwick of Jersey and the Bailiwick of Guernsey.'
How to get a refund on your TV Licence
Even if you do not meet the eligibility criteria for a free TV Licence you may be able to get some money back on yours, so long as it is no longer needed.
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If you have already purchased a TV licence but do not watch or record live TV, or stream BBC iPlayer, you could be entitled to a refund worth £174.50.
Households across the UK can apply for a refund if you won't need your licence again before it expires, and you have at least one complete month left, or the licence fee for you expired less than two years ago.
You can apply for a refund on the TV Licensing website (a link to which can be found above).

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