Britain’s government faces fresh debate over the fate of the nation’s biggest sporting moments. A new media green paper proposes that major events—today’s crown jewels like the World Cup, Olympics, FA Cup final, Grand National and Wimbledon—remain free on public‑service channels and cannot be locked behind pay‑walls by streaming giants such as Netflix or Discovery+.

The legislation, born in 1996 when only 4 % of households had internet access, currently protects live broadcasts but not on‑demand rights. The new draft would extend protection to digital streams, ensuring families who miss late‑night kick‑offs can catch up the next morning without paying extra to their preferred time and still support the public service.

Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the move would safeguard the public’s access to history‑making moments and level the playing field for broadcasters. She warned that without the change, rights holders could sell premium streams to subscription services, stripping fans of free, nationwide coverage that unites the country during major tournaments and maintain unity through sport.

The proposal follows a 2022 Select Committee report that urged an extension of the listed‑events regime to digital content. Ministers declined to add the Six Nations to the list, citing a need to balance free access with the revenue streams that fund competition organisers. The legislation will be debated in Parliament next week and public‑service broadcasters will secure a guaranteed platform for future events.