Unlawful Cycling Live Streams on the Rise: Is High-End Broadcast Aiding the Sport or Fueling Piracy?

In the realm of sports broadcasting, a new player has emerged, causing a stir among cycling enthusiasts - Tiz Cycling. This illegal streaming platform has become the most popular choice for viewers, particularly due to the significant price increases in various subscription services.

The cost of subscribing to TNT Sports, which holds the UK broadcasting rights for cycling under Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), stands at £30.99 per month. This is a substantial hike compared to the previous GCN+ subscription of £6.99/month and Eurosport, which costs £39.99 per year.

The broadcast revenue of Premier League clubs in the 2023/24 season was a staggering £3.3 billion, with teams receiving a 50% equal split. However, the price increase and perceived poor coverage quality have caused discontent among fans, leading some to consider illegal pirate streams like Tiz Cycling.

It's important to note that using a VPN to watch coverage through services in other countries that have reasonable pricing is against the terms and conditions of broadcasters. Engaging in such activities to dishonestly avoid paying a subscription fee could potentially be a criminal offence.

The rise in piracy is not limited to cycling; global piracy levels have risen by 12% since 2019, with live sports and anime seeing the fastest growth rate. This trend is concerning for sports executives, two-thirds of whom are worried about the relevance of live sports as more young fans gravitate towards highlights, documentaries, and short-form video.

On the other hand, illegal streaming services offer access to the sport for those who could otherwise not afford big-cost subscription services, making the sport less accessible than when it is free-to-air. For instance, the Women's World Cup in 2027 will be free-to-air on the BBC and ITV.

The identity of the person behind Tiz Cycling remains a mystery, but the platform's popularity is evident. UK searches for Tiz Cycling are at a five-year high, and many cycling fans have admitted to watching races on Tiz that are not broadcast on services they pay for. These often include women's cycling races and non-European races.

The rise in piracy has sparked discussions about potential solutions. Lloyd, a cycling commentator, believes that introducing a revenue share for cycling teams could provide more stability and fan support. Cillian Kelly, a cycling data expert, also concluded that men's pro cycling is more stable than ever for the 2024 season.

As we navigate this evolving landscape, it's crucial to remember the potential risks associated with accessing pirate streams. These platforms can lead users to be more vulnerable to data theft, identity theft, malware, and fraud.

In conclusion, the rise of Tiz Cycling and illegal streaming platforms presents a complex issue for the cycling community. While they offer a solution for some fans priced out of traditional subscription services, they also pose risks and threaten the future of the sport. As the industry continues to evolve, finding a balance between accessibility and sustainability will be key.

Unlawful Cycling Live Streams on the Rise: Is High-End Broadcast Aiding the Sport or Fueling Piracy?