With the price of everything going up—streaming subscriptions included—many UK households are turning to cheaper ways to catch their favourite shows, football matches, and live events.
But a new report has just pulled back the curtain on a problem that’s costing broadcasters and sports leagues billions.
The culprit? Modified Amazon Fire Sticks, better known as ‘dodgy’ Fire Sticks.
Let’s break down what’s really happening and why it’s becoming such a huge issue.
Illegal Streaming Is No Longer a Secret Hobby—It’s a Billion-Pound Problem
A major report has revealed that illegal streaming, especially through altered Fire Sticks, is draining billions from legitimate broadcasters each year.
Nearly 60% of Fire Stick users in the UK admit they’ve used the device to stream pirated content over the last 12 months.
And while the tech itself is legal, many are modifying it—or buying it already jailbroken—to unlock free access to channels they’d normally pay for.
The result? Sports networks like Sky, TNT Sports, and DAZN are losing huge chunks of their audiences to pirated streams.
Premier League and Police Crack Down as Arrests Begin
This isn’t going unnoticed. The Premier League, which has been vocal about stopping illegal streaming, is now working closely with authorities to go after offenders.
One example? Earlier this year, a Halifax man named Sonny Kanda was sentenced to two years in prison for defrauding broadcasters of over £100,000 by selling access to pirated streams over an 18-month period.
The crackdown is only ramping up from here.
From Football Matches to Full-On Thefts: Piracy Now Seen as Industrial Scale Crime
Media experts are comparing the scale of this piracy problem to industrial theft.
According to the report, just one high-profile live football match can attract tens of thousands of viewers away from official broadcasters to illegal links—many of which are circulated through social media.
And it doesn’t stop at football. Documentaries, films, and even children’s programming are being streamed illegally, contributing to what experts now call a full-blown piracy epidemic.
France Is Losing Hundreds of Millions Too—It’s Not Just a UK Issue
It’s not just the UK feeling the pressure. In France, a regulatory body called Arcom revealed that the sports sector lost around €240 million (£200 million) in 2023 alone due to audio-visual piracy.
That’s a massive hit, and similar patterns are being seen across Europe and beyond.
Subscription Fatigue: Are High Prices Driving People to Pirate?
Many viewers argue that the real issue is subscription overload.
In the 2023–24 season, if a fan wanted to legally watch every televised Premier League game, they’d need to shell out around £870 in annual fees.
And that’s not even counting extras like kids’ channels, documentaries, or film packages, which can push household TV bills past £1,000 a year.
So, it’s no wonder that people are looking for cheaper—albeit illegal—alternatives.
Broadcasters Push Back: Illegal Streams Threaten the Entire Sports Ecosystem
From the perspective of big networks, the issue isn’t just about profits—it’s about sustainability.
Companies like Sky and DAZN pay staggering amounts to secure broadcast rights for football and other major sporting events.
When viewers skip out and stream illegally, these companies lose revenue that supports everything from player salaries to production crews.
If it continues, the quality and accessibility of sports broadcasting could seriously suffer.
Legal Warning: Watch Pirated Streams, and You Might Get a Knock at the Door
The Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT) is leading the campaign to shut down illegal streaming networks.
And their message is clear: if you’re using or selling illicit streaming devices, you’re breaking the law—and they’re coming for you.
They’ve been working with police to raid suppliers, issue cease-and-desist letters, and even warn end-users that they could face criminal prosecution.
Jail Time Is Real: The Case of Sonny Kanda Sends a Clear Message
After Sonny Kanda was sentenced for selling access to illegal streams, FACT’s CEO Kieron Sharp made a point of highlighting the wider consequences.
“This isn’t a victimless crime,” he said. “Piracy damages the creative industries, puts users at risk of scams and malware, and even helps fund other serious crimes.”
It’s a reminder that this issue goes beyond just watching free telly—it has far-reaching effects.
What Happens Next? The Fight Against Piracy Isn’t Slowing Down
As streaming platforms multiply and subscription costs continue to rise, the temptation to turn to dodgy Fire Sticks is likely to grow.
But authorities are sending a clear message: they’re not turning a blind eye anymore.
Arrests, warnings, and legal threats are now part of the game plan.
Think Before You Stream: Is It Really Worth the Risk?
Whether it’s saving a few quid or just avoiding yet another subscription, pirating content might seem harmless—but it could cost you a lot more than you expect.
Not only is it illegal, but it also weakens the very shows, sports, and networks people love.
So next time you hear about a friend watching a match for free on a Fire Stick, maybe remind them—nothing’s ever really free.