Sky has identified hundreds of users of modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks and similar devices who are illegally streaming Premier League football, and has issued them with cease-and-desist letters giving them two weeks to stop or face legal action.
Legal Warnings Issued
Sky has sent letters to addresses in Ireland, demanding that recipients provide a written commitment not to stream content illegally in the future. The broadcaster warns it will consider legal proceedings if they fail to comply.
The move follows Sky's civil action against Revolut Bank UAB, after 304 subscribers used the banking app to pay resellers of pirated content.
Sky Confirms First Wave of Letters
A Sky spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Times that the company has issued approximately 200 cease-and-desist letters to individuals who paid for an unlawful subscription to the illegal IPTV service known as 'is Easy'.
"Where an individual does not engage with us following receipt of this letter, Sky is prepared to pursue legal action," the spokesperson said. "This may include seeking an injunction, damages arising from the infringement, and recovery of legal costs."
Illegal Streaming Devices Targeted
Sky believes the recipients purchased subscriptions that provide access to an app or streaming device, such as modified Amazon Fire TV Sticks, which allow users to watch Sky channels and others without a legitimate Sky subscription.
The letters state: "This is illegal as Sky owns the legal rights to the Sky channels."
Premier League Rights Deal
In 2023, Sky agreed a new deal for Premier League rights alongside TNT Sports, with the competition receiving £6.7 billion over four years for UK television rights. Sky secured four of the five packages, ensuring a minimum of 215 live matches, including all 10 fixtures on the final day of the season. TNT will screen 52 matches, while the BBC bought the rights to a weekly highlights package for Match of the Day.
