La Liga has brand new UK broadcaster that comes with £1,000 warning

Manchester United and Liverpool fans hoping to catch a glimpse of Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold for new sides Barcelona and Real Madrid will need to subscribe to another service in the UK in order to legally catch the English pair in action.

Rashford left United on loan for Barcelona last month after a successful stint at Aston Villa, though was one cut short by injury. While Barcelona had previously been credited with an interest in Nico Williams, his decision to extend his stay at Athletic Club saw the La Liga champions make a move for the versatile forward.

The Mancunian was happy to leave Old Trafford and link up with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski as Hansi Flick’s side get their title defence up and running this weekend. Trent, too, was keen to try a new challenge with Real Madrid having departed Liverpool for Spain, where he’ll play alongside compatriot Jude Bellingham.

And while Premier Sports was previously the home of La Liga, fans will need a Disney+ subscription to watch the Saturday 8:30pm (GMT) kick off each week for the next three seasons.

“Disney+ is bringing the excitement of LALIGA to Saturdays in the UK and Ireland through a new three-year agreement.

Beginning 16 August, customers can enjoy live Spanish football on Saturday nights, included as part of their subscription,” a statement read on the Disney+ website.

However, neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid will be available to watch on Disney+ this weekend, with Valencia’s welcome of Real Sociedad the first to be shown on the new broadcaster.

Barcelona will be shown live the following Saturday (23 August) when they face Levante before Real Madrid make their first appearance on Disney+ when Los Blancos take on Mallorca at the end of the month (30 August).

Even if users are subscribed to Disney+, however, they still need to comply with an important law.

Your Saturday nights just got better. ⚽
From August 16, LALIGA is coming to Disney+. pic.twitter.com/5iWW5bQxWd

— Disney+ UK (@DisneyPlusUK) August 7, 2025

What is the TV License and how much does it cost?

In the UK, consuming a live event at the time of broadcast requires a TV license, with the TV Licensing website clarifying that it refers to anything that is "live on streaming services".

Real Sociedad’s trip to the Mestalla kicks off at 8:30pm on Saturday (16 August) and anyone watching live needs to have a paid TV license or face a fine up to £1000, including court costs.

A TV license costs £174.50 per year according to the official TV license website, though the cost can be spread out across the year via direct debit.

If you only watch on a black and white television, then the license costs £58.50 per year.