Could the UK TV Licence be extended to Netflix, Prime Video, and even Twitch, and could it impact esports?

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Last Updated: 14/05/2026

Earlier this week, The Times reported it had heard plans that the BBC was drafting proposals to expand what constitutes live TV under its licensing requirements. The report details that the BBC could look towards streaming sites like Amazon and Netflix as a new source of revenue, with the BBC paper detailing just how many people are watching without a licence in the UK.

In a report via the BBC’s own data in its annual plan, it shows around 80% of the population now pay the licence fee despite more accessing its services every month, suggesting that many are watching what it defines as ‘live TV’ without a valid licence in the UK, intentionally or otherwise.

The reason for this extension is largely due to the crossover of streaming platforms acquiring bidding rights to live events. Netflix runs its boxing shows, while Prime Video has golf, the Champions League at times, and even the Boxing Day rights in 2024 for Premier League football, for example. Many are either willingly or unwillingly watching these events live without holding a TV licence.

How the TV Licence could target live streaming sites like Twitch

Now, if this covers anything described as live streaming, it could have a dramatic impact on live services like YouTube and Twitch, which run live broadcasts for streamers, actual sports, and esports events, too.

The white paper and the upcoming Department for Culture, Media and Sport BBC Charter address will look at ways to manage its budget. Depending on what comes out of that report, the definition of live streaming could impact your average gamer on Twitch and Kick. This is especially pertinent given that Amazon owns both Prime Video and Twitch, which could complicate the legal distinction between the two.

It is largely just speculation of course. Representatives from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport told The Express that it does not comment on speculation, and that it will publish its findings and consultation later in the year when it completes its BBC Charter Review and white paper.

Targeting a new generation? 

That said, targeting younger millennials and older Gen Z audiences is something the BBC will need to address at some point. These younger demographics often do not watch much live TV, favouring creator content, social media, live streamers, and on-demand TV and film streaming services instead. The BBC could look to target those audience channels as a means of recapturing lapsed generations who are now engaging with entertainment and live events differently.

It would not be the first U-turn the British government has made on a taxing scheme. Road tax historically exempted green vehicles, yet with Britain’s greener future in mind and many switching to electric vehicles, those same exempt vehicles are now coming back under road tax rules. The exact same thing could happen to the TV licence as it redefines itself from watching TV channels to pressing Netflix buttons and live-streaming creators.

We’ll only know for certain what the future looks like when the White Paper is released at the latter end of the year. When exactly… that remains a mystery. Even then, a white paper suggestion does not a policy decision make, so it may be quite some time before we see any palpable change. 

Craig Robinson, Senior Editor

Craig began his career with Esports News UK back in 2015/2016, looking to write about a passion while studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. He stayed there for several years before moving on to other websites to begin his career after graduating. Now he's back, covering esports adjacent topics and UK stories.

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