Netflix subscribers in the United Kingdom face the threat of a £1,000 fine from authorities when it comes to watching content on the streaming service.
The warning is in place this weekend (February 1 and 2) and will impact anyone watching Netflix in the UK, which is straight up millions of people.
Sitting comfortably in the number one spot around the planet, Netflix remains the market leader in the land of streaming. They are rivalled primarily by Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, two services with huge financial backing from their relevant wider businesses.
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Given the market competition and threat that both these platforms are to Netflix's continued success and dominance, the California-based business is always looking to the future.
And that includes acquiring new products. Some of which are live events. But it's not as simple as just tuning in for viewers.
WWE arrives on Netflix
The beginning of 2025 saw the world-famous WWE move over to Netflix after the company paid World Wrestling Entertainment a whopping $5,000,000,000 (£4,000,000,000) deal lasting 10 years.
It means that its flagship Monday Night Raw show is now airing on Netflix across the world, with Friday Night Smackdown also broadcast live on Netflix for every Netflix subscriber outside of the USA.
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A massive back catalogue of WWE content has been added to the streaming platform, meaning fans can enjoy the nostalgia of seeing their favourites do what they did best in their heyday. Looking at you, Stone Cold Steve Austin.
£1,000 warning for WWE Netflix viewers
Alongside the weekly shows, the WWE's premium live events (PLEs) are also making their way onto Netflix.
This includes the likes of WrestleMania and SummerSlam, events that used to be known as pay-per-views (PPVs) back when I was a kid. Showing my age there.
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This weekend, that will include the iconic Royal Rumble where 30 wrestlers compete to be the last man, and woman, standing in their respective events.
While the event can be watched for free if you already pay Netflix its subs, there is an issue away from Netflix itself that could land you with a £1,000 fine. And it's all to do with the BBC TV Licence.
Why you could face a £1,000 fine
Anyone watching live events as they happen - whether on traditional TV, YouTube, Netflix and even the likes of Amazon Prime Video - legally has to have a TV Licence in order to do so.
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It is also required for those who watch the BBC iPlayer, with the annual £169.50 fee used to fund BBC services and products.
Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, said: "Under UK law, any live television broadcast requires a valid TV licence, regardless of the streaming platform."
McAfee has warned Brits to 'stay informed on licensing changes as streaming platforms expand live broadcast offerings'.
A TV licensing spokesperson previously said that the service 'has a duty to enforce the law when there is evidence that someone has avoided paying for a TV Licence'. In the case of Netflix and the WWE, that would include a potential £1,000 fine for tuning in if you don't already pay the licence fee.
Topics: Netflix, UK News, Money, Crime, WWE, Entertainment, John Cena
Tom Earnshaw