Viewing figures for live football on UK television have dropped significantly this season, with Sky's early-season ratings down by a fifth and BT Sport's Champions League coverage failing to compensate. A Guardian reader survey of over 500 respondents reveals that many fans are turning away from expensive subscriptions and instead using free online streams or 'dodgy boxes' to watch matches.
Readers cited the high cost of bundled packages as a primary reason for switching. One fan, Mike Benet, noted that having to buy both Sky and BT Sport was too expensive, adding: 'Even my 78-year-old father streams his games now.' Another, Andrew, said he openly tells Sky he will use their broadband to access channels for free if they do not offer a discount, and they usually relent.
Many respondents expressed frustration with the lack of flexibility in pricing. Gareth Duggan said he would prefer a pay-per-view option that allows him to watch individual matches, rather than paying for a full subscription. Theo Sakyi echoed this, stating he wants to pay only for the sports he watches, not bundled films and TV shows.
Some fans have stopped watching altogether due to disillusionment with the money in football. Tomas Ashton said he feels disconnected from players earning huge wages, while Tony Brooks cited the 'disgusting amount of money' spent in the summer transfer window as the final straw.
The survey suggests that unless Sky and BT offer cheaper, more flexible deals, the trend towards illegal streaming will continue. One respondent, Dan, noted that streams are often easier and better quality than legitimate services, and also allow access to 3pm Saturday kick-offs, which are not televised in the UK.
