Sport streaming giant Kayo has come under fire after footy fans had their viewing plans ruined by a host of errors and glitches following an update to the platform.
Users vented their anger on social media over widespread technical issues following Kayo’s app update, with complaints of constant crashes, lagging streams, blurry picture quality and games failing to load or finish properly.
Many say the service has become almost unwatchable, with their frustration heightened by rising prices and what they claim is unhelpful customer support.
‘Kayos new tv app is trash, constant crashes. Paying nearly $50 a month for garbage. Unknown errors, technical faults,’ one viewer posted.
‘Mines the same. Glitchy, stops/starts. Terrible footage to watch,’ posted another.
‘Considering its borderline-monopoly and frighteningly high prices, there is absolutely no reason for Kayo to be down,’ added yet another.
Fans reported blurry footage, constant buffering, and games failing to load or finish despite stable internet connections
Social media flooded with complaints as users describe the service as unwatchable following the poorly received platform update
Frustration grows as viewers paying nearly $50 monthly say the upgraded app performs worse than previous versions
Some went looking for tips to fix the issues, with other viewers suggesting they restart the app after the update.
‘Any tips for the glitchy service I am getting tonight? Internet is working perfectly. Its basically unwatchable,’ one asked.
‘Exactly the same. Mine goes blurry then clear then blurry then clear. So annoying,’ posted another fed-up viewer.
‘The stream shows then it stop lags then goes black screen and I cant load it again. Your update ruined it. I had no problems before the app was updated,’ another fumed.
Many were left especially angry that the glitchy update had dropped after a major price rise.
They also complained about a lack of help from customer support, accusing Kayo of using AI-generated chatbots instead of real human assistance.
‘What a joke. So the price has gone up significantly over the last 2 years and you get AI live chat that selects pre scripted answers that don’t help. Then at some point it basically just shuts down the channel,’ another angry viewer posted to X.
‘Too bad the new app on ps5 is garbage. Also if you happen to watch on delay you cannot see the end of the game,’ added another.
Users criticised Kayo’s lack of support, claiming AI chatbots provide scripted responses without resolving ongoing technical issues (pictured, the Swans vs Hawthorn AFL match on Thursday night)
The controversy follows DAZN’s $3.4billion Foxtel acquisition, with plans for future upgrades failing to ease current user frustrations (pictured, North Queensland star Scott Drinkwater)
Daily Mail has contacted Kayo for comment.
It comes after footy fans already reacted angrily after Kayo lifted the price of its premium subscription just before the 2026 season kicked off.
The streaming service’s top-tier plan jumped from $40 to $45.99 per month, while its standard package remained unchanged at $29.99.
The increase comes amid a new AFL broadcast deal that gives Foxtel and Kayo exclusive rights to key Saturday matches across multiple markets.
Kayo defended the move, saying it reflects ongoing investment in sport coverage, production quality and technology.
Foxtel executives also pointed to the soaring cost of securing sports rights as a key driver behind the price rise.
‘These changes reflect the cost of sports rights in Australia and internationally and our continued investment in production and commentary, and cutting-edge technology,’ a Foxtel spokesperson said at the time.
‘We have worked hard to ensure the monthly subscription for entry-level Kayo remains the same, ensuring our world-leading 50-sports live remains accessible for sport fans, while premium with two streams remains a great option for families.’
‘AFL will be bolstered this year with the new AFL Origin clash between WA and Vic in February, ahead of an expanded premiership season with the introduction of the wildcard weekend.’
It comes after DAZN completed its $3.4billion acquisition of Foxtel Group in early 2025, bringing Kayo Sports, Foxtel and BINGE under its ownership.
Kayo continues to operate as a standalone platform, with plans to introduce more advanced and interactive viewing features despite recent price hikes.
