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The Premier League has expressed concerns to the UK government that proposed changes to AI copyright laws could undermine protections critical to its commercial success, warning of risks to its revenue and broader economic contributions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Premier League has warned the UK government that proposed changes to copyright law for artificial intelligence could weaken protections that have underpinned the competition\u2019s commercial strength, according to a disclosure obtained by The Times through a freedom of information request. In its submission, the league argued that ministers had not fully accounted for the contribution of elite sport to the UK economy when drawing up the consultation on AI and copyright.<\/p>\n
The row centres on a wider policy debate over whether AI developers should be allowed to train systems on copyrighted material without first seeking permission. The government has already stepped back from its most contentious idea, an opt-out model that would have placed the burden on rights holders to object, after strong criticism from creators and the wider cultural sector. According to the government, it no longer has a preferred approach and is now concentrating on digital replicas, labelling AI-generated content, creator control and transparency, and support for smaller rights holders.<\/p>\n
The Premier League told ministers that strong copyright protection has been central to its success and warned that any loosening of the rules could be exploited by pirates to produce unauthorised live streams. The league said its broadcast and commercial income for the 2025-28 cycle totals \u00a312.25 billion, while international media rights revenue is up 27 per cent. Separate reporting has said the Premier League supports nearly 100,000 UK jobs and contributes about \u00a38 billion in annual gross value added, underscoring why it views the issue as more than a narrow tech policy dispute.<\/p>\n
Although football clubs and leagues have embraced AI for areas such as recruitment, performance analysis and fan engagement, the Premier League wants those benefits to come with tighter safeguards. It is pressing for a licensing system that would pay rights holders properly, greater transparency over how models are built, and tougher penalties for breaches. The league also wants the rules to apply to AI models trained overseas if they are used in the UK, arguing that imported systems should not be allowed to sidestep domestic copyright law.<\/p>\n
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